What is Medical Malpractice?

What is Medical Malpractice? When you’re hurt or sick and turn to medical professionals for help, you expect that they’ll help you get better. But sometimes they can make things worse. One study suggests medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.  Medical malpractice occurs when an action or lack of action by a medical professional harms a patient. When that happens, you or a loved one who’s been harmed by medical malpractice can file a lawsuit seeking financial compensation. You must prove that the medical professional who was treating you provided substandard care, and that negligence resulted in substantial injury or harm.

Malpractice comes in many forms. Here are some common examples:

• Failing to recognize symptoms or make a correct diagnosis
• Failing to order appropriate tests, or misreading/ignoring lab results
• Unnecessary surgery or surgical errors
• Misusing medical equipment
• Leaving surgical instruments inside a person’s body after surgery
• Failing to warn of medical risks or get a patient’s consent
• Prescribing the wrong medicine or wrong dosage
• Bedsores or infections acquired in the hospital
• Premature discharge from the hospital or poor after-care

Just because you’re unhappy with your treatment doesn’t mean a medical professional is liable for malpractice. But if you or a family member has experienced serious pain or suffering because of medical mistakes and negligence, let The Cochran Firm Mid-South help evaluate your case.  Call 901-523-1222 today for a free, no-risk consultation.