Medical Malpractice Overview: Understanding Medical Negligence
- Date: 2008-12-02 - Word Count: 306
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There is a bond of trust between medical professionals and the people who turn to them for care. This bond presumes that a reasonable standard of care will be met by physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, hospital staff, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers. When care falls below these standards, whether through error or a deliberately wrongful act, and a patient is injured as a result, there may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit to be filed against the liable party or parties.
It should be noted that not all injuries that occur while under the care of a medical professional can be classified as medical malpractice. If a doctor, nurse, or other professional acts as a competent peer would act under similar circumstances and an injury ensues all the same, malpractice may not exist. However, injuries or deaths that result from surgical error, failure to properly monitor vital signs during surgery, the prescription of the incorrect type or dosage of medication, an incorrect diagnosis, the failure to diagnose, or some other form of medical negligence are likely to come under the umbrella of medical malpractice. Malpractice can also be the result of a healthcare professional conducting his or her work while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or lack of sleep.
In order to prove liability in a medical malpractice lawsuit, a personal injury lawyer must be able to show an act or acts of negligence on the part of one or more medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed against multiple parties, depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury. Tragically, many cases of medical malpractice result in the wrongful death of a patient. Regardless of the type or cause of malpractice, victims and their families may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses and expenses related to the injury.
It should be noted that not all injuries that occur while under the care of a medical professional can be classified as medical malpractice. If a doctor, nurse, or other professional acts as a competent peer would act under similar circumstances and an injury ensues all the same, malpractice may not exist. However, injuries or deaths that result from surgical error, failure to properly monitor vital signs during surgery, the prescription of the incorrect type or dosage of medication, an incorrect diagnosis, the failure to diagnose, or some other form of medical negligence are likely to come under the umbrella of medical malpractice. Malpractice can also be the result of a healthcare professional conducting his or her work while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or lack of sleep.
In order to prove liability in a medical malpractice lawsuit, a personal injury lawyer must be able to show an act or acts of negligence on the part of one or more medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed against multiple parties, depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury. Tragically, many cases of medical malpractice result in the wrongful death of a patient. Regardless of the type or cause of malpractice, victims and their families may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses and expenses related to the injury.
Related Tags: healthcare, lawyer, compensation, lawsuit, negligence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, surgical error, failure to diagnose
Obtaining legal assistance is critical if you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury or wrongful death due to a medical mistake. Experienced medical malpractice lawyers have the specialized knowledge to help individuals and families protect their rights. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
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