Medical malpractice occurs when medical errors result in time away from work or loved ones due to injury, illness, disfigurement, additional cost, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and even death.  The best thing you can do to protect your family and yourself is to be proactive and do everything you can to avoid these types of things from happening.

What are Medical Malpractice Errors?

Medical malpractice is a result of a medical error.  Medical errors can occur in a number of ways.  Often it is difficult to determine if a worsening health condition is a result of the illness or a medical mistake in the treatment.

Also, it is important to understand that not all medical errors result in medical malpractice.  Doctors are held to a certain level called the standard of care.  This means that they are required to act in accordance with what is expected of the average physician in that field.  So in any particular event, they are expected to act like an average doctor in that field would to prevent injury to the patient.  If an error occurs due to an action that any average physician in the same field would have done, then medical malpractice has not occurred.   If the doctor acts in a way that any average doctor in that field wouldn’t have, then this could mean medical malpractice has occurred.

There are other things that can result in errors that do not mean medical malpractice.  For example, if a patient gives incorrect medical history this could lead to the wrong diagnosis, medication, or wrong treatment.  However, the doctor would not be at fault in a case like this because they were missing key information.  This is why it is always important to be truthful with your doctor when answering any questions they might have.

If you have any questions about medical malpractice, please call us at Schulman, Roth and Associates.

Common Causes of Medical Malpractice

Other Types of Medical Malpractice Errors

Other Tips for Avoiding Medical Malpractice Errors