Medical negligence is a serious problem that happens more often than you might think. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America, with an estimated 98,000 deaths each year. The consequences of medical negligence can be devastating for both patient and doctor alike—and they don’t end with just one visit or surgery. Many of these injuries last for years after the initial incident occurs. Medical malpractice cases can be complex and challenging to win, depending on the city or state. In Florida, as the population is increasing, medical malpractice issues are also increasing. In 2018 alone, over 950+ cases of medical malpractice were reported and won in Tampa. So, with the help of an experienced attorney, you can give yourself the best chance of success in the case of medical malpractice. If you have been injured by medical negligence, contact a Tampa medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case and know your rights. This article will explain what constitutes medical negligence so you can better understand its effects on your life and the lives of your family members.
What is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence is defined as the failure of a medical professional to provide the standard of care that a reasonable person would expect. There are two types of medical negligence:
Negligence in Diagnosis: This occurs when a doctor fails to identify or diagnose an illness or injury and therefore misses administering the wrong treatment.
Negligence in Treatment: This occurs when doctors do not use recognized technology or procedures for their intended purpose. The patients receive substandard care instead of what would otherwise be appropriate care based on their existing condition and symptoms detected during the examination.
Consequences of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence is a serious offense often resulting in life-altering injuries or, in the worst-case scenario, death. The following are some consequences of medical negligence;
Disfigurement: Medical negligence can cause disfigurement, which is permanent and may be painful or even life-threatening. This can negatively impact your ability to work and earn money if you have a physical disability that makes it difficult for you to do so.
Pain and Suffering: Emotional and psychological trauma is another potential consequence of medical negligence. Patients and their families may experience a range of emotions, including anger, frustration, sadness, and fear. In some cases, these emotions may be compounded by the fact that the injury or illness was preventable had it not been for the negligent actions of the healthcare professional.
Financial Burden: Another consequence of medical negligence is the financial burden it can place on patients and their families. Medical treatment is often expensive, and the costs associated with treating an injury or illness caused by medical negligence can be overwhelming. In addition to the cost of medical care, patients may also incur lost wages and other expenses related to their injury or illness.
Brain and Organ Damage: The most severe consequences of medical negligence include brain and organ damage and hearing loss. Brain damage can lead to memory loss and personality changes in addition to other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or insomnia. Organ damage may cause kidney or liver failure, which could lead to death if left untreated for too long. If you are suffering from a serious injury due to negligent care at the hands of a doctor or hospital staff, then you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will be able to help you get compensation for these types of injuries so that they don’t happen again.
Medical negligence can have serious and often devastating consequences for patients and their families. It can cause physical harm, financial burden, emotional trauma, and other long-term consequences that can impact your lifestyle. To help prevent medical negligence, it is important to ensure that healthcare professionals receive the necessary training and education, hold professionals accountable for their actions, and for patients to be proactive in their healthcare.
