Malpractice lawsuits can be costly and time-consuming, but they may be the only way to get justice for patients who suffer from medical negligence.
According to the American Medical Association, the number of malpractice lawsuits in the United States has risen in recent years. While the total number of suits is still relatively low compared to other types of civil litigation, the cost of these suits continues to rise. This increase is significant because medical malpractice suits are often complex and expensive to litigate.
Malpractice lawsuits are becoming more common in the United States. Several factors can contribute to a malpractice lawsuit, but some are more common than others. This article will discuss the top reasons for malpractice lawsuits in the US.
1. Negligence
One of the most common reasons for a malpractice lawsuit is negligence on the medical professional’s part. It can include making a mistake in diagnosing or treating a patient, failing to order the proper tests, or even something as simple as not washing their hands before treating a patient.
For instance, if a doctor fails to diagnose a patient’s condition properly, the patient may suffer serious health complications. Over the years, many cases of mesothelioma lawsuits have come to the surface and have been filed successfully. If the doctor had ordered the proper tests, they might have been able to diagnose the condition sooner. As a result, the patient would not have had to suffer needlessly. According to the National Institute of Health, negligence is the most common reason for a malpractice lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take years, even decades, for the symptoms to develop, and by the time they do, the cancer is often quite advanced. This makes it very difficult to treat, and the prognosis is generally poor.
2. Uninformed Consent
Another common reason for malpractice lawsuits is a lack of informed consent. It occurs when a medical professional fails to properly inform a patient of the risks involved in a particular treatment or procedure. Informed consent forms are supposed to list all of the risks and potential side effects of treatment so that the patient can decide whether or not to proceed with it.
However, sometimes these forms are not filled out correctly, or the risks are not explained adequately. It can lead to serious complications for the patient if they proceed with the treatment. Informed consent is critical in situations where there is a risk of serious injury or death.
3. Breach of Contract
Another common reason for malpractice lawsuits is a breach of contract. It occurs when a medical professional fails to live up to their agreement with a patient. For instance, if a doctor agrees to provide a certain level of care but fails, the patient may have grounds for a lawsuit. Breach of contract can also occur if a medical professional fails to follow the terms of their insurance policy.
In addition, patients may also sue for breach of contract if they feel that they have been misled by a medical professional. For instance, if a doctor tells a patient that a particular treatment is covered by their insurance when it is not, the patient may have grounds for a lawsuit.
4. Fraud
Fraud is another common reason for malpractice lawsuits. It occurs when medical professionals intentionally mislead patients about their condition or treatment. For instance, a doctor may tell a patient that they have a particular condition when they do not or state a certain treatment to be more effective than it is.
Fraud can also occur if a healthcare facility bills a patient for services never rendered. This is known as “billing fraud” and is a serious problem in the medical industry. In some cases, patients may not even be aware that they have been the victim of fraud until they receive a bill for services that they did not receive.
5. Invasion of Privacy
Invasion of privacy is another common reason for malpractice lawsuits. It occurs when a medical professional discloses private information about a patient to someone who does not need to know. For instance, a doctor may tell a patient’s family member about their condition without consent.
Invasion of privacy can also occur when a professional medical snoops through a patient’s medical records without their consent. Again, it can be a serious violation of the patient’s privacy and lead to embarrassment or even shame.
6. Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is another common reason for malpractice lawsuits. It occurs when a medical professional causes a patient to experience emotional trauma.
Emotional distress can also occur when a medical professional engages in sexual misconduct with a patient. It can be a traumatic experience for the patient and lead to long-term emotional problems.
7. Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is another common reason for malpractice lawsuits. It occurs when a medical professional is held accountable for the death of a patient due to negligence. For instance, a doctor may fail to diagnose a patient’s condition, leading to death promptly.
Wrongful death lawsuits are often filed by the family members of the deceased patient. These lawsuits can be very complex and usually require the testimony of expert witnesses.
8. Dental Malpractice
Dental malpractice is another common reason for malpractice lawsuits. It occurs when a dentist causes injury to a patient due to negligence. For instance, a dentist may fail to perform a dental procedure properly, leading to an infection or other serious conditions.
Dental malpractice can also occur when a dentist performs a procedure without the patient’s consent. It can be a serious violation of the patient’s rights and cause serious injury.
9. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries occur when a medical professional causes injury to a child during childbirth. For instance, a doctor may use too much force when delivering a baby, leading to the child’s injuries.
Birth injuries can also occur when a medical professional fails to properly monitor the mother and child during childbirth. It can lead to oxygen deprivation, which can cause brain damage.
Bottom Line:
Malpractice lawsuits are often complex and time-consuming. However, if you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced attorney can help you investigate your claim and file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Remember, you have a limited time to file a malpractice lawsuit, so it is crucial to act quickly.