When a person thinks of mistakes medical professionals might make, they may picture surgical errors or errors in diagnosing or treating a major illness such as cancer. However, sometimes a person in Bridgeport sees a doctor for a minor ailment, such as strep throat. In this situation, they might expect to receive antibiotics if appropriate, and then they will soon get well. However, even minor ailments can become major problems if there is a misdiagnosis or other error made by a physician.
According to a recent report, from 2013 through 2017, the most common types of medical malpractice claim filed against primary claim physicians were based diagnostic errors. Other grounds for medical malpractice lawsuits included wrongful medical treatment and damages due to medication and transitions in care.
With regards to diagnostic errors, the report stated that the primary allegation in these claims involved instances in which there was an inadequate assessment of the patient, including ascertaining the patient’s family health history. Claims of diagnostic errors were also based on inadequacies in the ordering of labs and other diagnostic tests. Treatment management, errors regarding medication and inattentive monitoring also formed the basis of medical malpractice claims during the five-year period reported on.
When a patient is harmed due to the negligence of a health care professional, their situation can go from bad to worse. Not only are they being improperly treated for their condition, but their condition may have been made worse due to the mistake. We trust our physicians to uphold their duty of care to patients. When physicians or other health care professionals act negligently, leading a patient to suffer damages, that patient may want to explore his or her legal options for compensation.
