South Georgia Medical Malpractice Attorneys
SURGICAL ERROR ATTORNEYS.
The most basic principle of healthcare since the beginning of the profession is expressed in the Latin phrase “primum non nocere,” which means first, do no harm. Doctors know that they won’t be able to successfully treat all patients for their conditions, but at the very least, they are taught from the first days of medical school that they shouldn’t subject a patient to any undue injuries or illnesses.
Unfortunately, the reality of our healthcare system is that, every day in the United States, people suffer from medical error. These errors range from minor mistakes that go unnoticed to serious ones that are fatal for patients. A study by Johns Hopkins in 2016 found that around 250,000 people lose their lives every year in the United States because of medical error, making it the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer.
At the Dove Law Firm, we are proud to stand up for the rights of our clients, including those who have suffered at the hands of negligent medical professionals. If you or a loved one has suffered from negligence and wish to explore the option of filing a medical malpractice claim, contact us today to learn more about your options.
Types of Medical Malpractice
Not every type of medical error falls under the category of malpractice, but several do. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor fails to provide an accepted level of medical care to their patient. Medical errors can occur in many ways, including…
- Surgical errors – Surgical errors can include operating on the wrong patient, performing the wrong procedure or leaving an object inside a patient.
- Medication errors – Medication errors can occur at any point in the drug distribution chain, from the manufacturer of a faulty drug to the doctor who prescribes the wrong medication to the pharmacist who fills the prescription without informing the patient of dangerous interactions.
- Diagnostic errors – Diagnostic errors are one of the most common forms of medical error. This includes not performing thorough testing of a patient or hastily diagnosing a patient on incomplete information.
- Communication breakdowns – When doctors or nurses fail to communicate the necessary tests or treatments for a patient, the likelihood of mistakes increases, putting a patient at risk for medical error.
- Anesthesia errors – Anesthesiologists must consider several factors when administering anesthesia, including the condition of the patient and the nature of the procedure being performed. Failure to follow proper procedure could result in injury or death.
- Birth injuries – Birth injuries are often preventable. They might be caused by the improper use of equipment, performing unnecessary procedures or failing to give adequate advice to expectant mothers.
- Healthcare-associated infections – Infections in medical settings are a much-too-common occurrence. They are typically the result of unsanitary equipment or surfaces, and are mostly preventable.
These errors might be considered malpractice if they were the result of a doctor or nurse’s negligence.
Healthcare professionals might make mistakes because they are distracted, fatigued or careless. Additionally, mistakes can be made because a facility fails to enact proper procedures or has communication problems.
Consequences of Medical Malpractice
Victims of medical malpractice often suffer dearly from the mistakes of a healthcare professional. A patient could have their condition worsened or experience new complications because of medical error. These mistakes can be costly, leading to further tests or treatments and causing much pain and suffering for a patient. The injuries or illnesses caused by medical malpractice might also lead to significant time off work or lost income, which makes paying medical bills even more challenging for a victim.
You Have Legal Rights
If you have suffered because of medical malpractice, you have the right to file a medical malpractice claim. When a doctor is negligent and you suffer as a result, you can take legal action to receive payment for the costs associated with your injury. For many malpractice victims, these claims are the only way to navigate the incredible financial obstacles presented by medical negligence.
It is important for victims of medical negligence to know that they don’t have to be experts on malpractice claims.
These claims, and the legal procedures that surround them, can be complex. A qualified medical malpractice attorney can help a malpractice victim determine the cause of their condition, the costs of the negligence and the party that should be held responsible for their damages.
If you or a loved one believe that you are the victim of medical malpractice, contact the attorneys at the Dove Law Firm to learn more about your options. We offer free consultations. Contact us by filling out our online form or calling us at 229.468.0832.
Connect With Us
We are proud to serve the counties of Irwin, Ben Hill, Crisp, Wilcox, Jeff Davis, Coffee, Tift, Dooly, Atkinson, Colquitt, Berrien, and Dodge. We are appreciative of the opportunity to serve the cities of Ocilla, Fitzgerald, Abbeville, Eastman, Hazelhurst, Tifton, Douglas, Moultrie, Nashville, Enigma, and Cordele.
Request a Free Consultation
If you believe you may have a case, fill out our online contact form or call us when you’re ready, at (229) 468-0832.