A medical practitioner must excise caution when handling a patient, be it a doctor or caregiver. Practitioners cause not all harm that occurs to patients. However, any medical errors caused by a practitioner’s actions while discharging their duties is considered medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is a legal offense since human lives are involved. Here are some facts to know about medical malpractice.
It Can Lead to Death
Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death. Although this is a sizeable number of people, it still claims fewer lives than cancer and heart disease. However, not all medical malpractice victims end up dead. The possibility of having lives lost means that it is a matter that should be addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
It Can Take Months Before the Victim Notices
In most cases, medical malpractice victims take a while before realizing that they have been affected by medical negligence. You might also have met multiple doctors before figuring out the point the malpractice occurred. However, in most cases, people only realize that they have been subjected to medical negligence when:
- They see another doctor who gives a contrary opinion
- Develops unusual symptoms
- When the condition worsens despite following the prescribed treatment.
It Can Be Blamed on Negligent Hospital Staff
The hospital staff can make mistakes that are considered preventable. This is when objects are left in the body during surgery and infections at surgical sites, injuries acquired at the facility, blood incompatibility, air embolism, bedsores, and urinary catheter-associated infections. These instances are considered medical malpractices and are punishable by law.
It Is Subject to Three Factors
Medical malpractice is a significant legal offense since human lives are involved. However, according to law, a medical violation must satisfy these three factors to be considered medical malpractice:
- Failure by the medical practitioner to provide a proper standard of care
- The negligence of the medical practitioner resulted in the injury
- The injury led to pain and suffering to the patient
Medical malpractice is prevalent. The government and the concerned governing bodies are doing their best to reduce cases of malpractice. The measures put in place and the harsh punishments help mitigate the scourge. As far as getting compensation from the pain and suffering is concerned, it is best to enlist a medical malpractice lawyer’s services.