Over the last few years, research has been published that shows medical errors are a leading cause of death and personal injuries in the United States each year. We should be able to count on our medical professionals to carry out their duties with competence, but the unfortunate reality is that medical mistakes do occur. When a medical professional makes a mistake that results in harm to the patient, it may be possible to hold them accountable through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Here, we want to discuss the various types of medical malpractice claims that can arise.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
Information from Johns Hopkins University shows us that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the US. Researchers estimate that preventable medical mistakes result in at least 250,000 deaths per year across the country. Medical malpractice cases arise in various ways, with some of the most common claims revolving around:
- Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
- Failure to treat a patient
- Giving the wrong medication to a patient
- Giving a patient the wrong dosage of a medication
- Childbirth injuries
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Falls in the hospital
- Surgical mistakes
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Failure to follow up on test results
- Failure to monitor a patient before or after a medical procedure
Above, we mentioned that researchers found that approximately 250,000 people lose their lives each year due to medical mistakes. However, this data does not paint a clear picture of the overall problem with medical errors. The research only accounts for wrongful deaths, but some data suggests that millions of other individuals are harmed each year as a result of preventable medical errors in healthcare settings.
The Standard of Care
In order to have a successful medical malpractice claim, individuals must show that the health care provider in question was negligent. After establishing that the patient and medical provider had a professional relationship, it has to be shown that the medical provider breached the medical standard of care.
The medical standard of care is usually defined as the type and level of care that a skilled and reasonably competent medical professional with a similar background would have provided under the same circumstances that led to the alleged malpractice. If it is determined that the negligent medical provider operated below the medical standard of care, they may be held liable for medical practice.
File These Claims Quickly
It is crucial for victims of medical malpractice to file their claims as soon as possible. In general, the medical malpractice statute of limitations in Michigan is two years from the date an injury occurs. Alternatively, Michigan law allows claims to be filed within six months from when a patient discovered or reasonably should have discovered that they sustained an injury or illness caused by a medical provider, even if more than two years have passed. However, all medical malpractice claims must be filed within six years from the date the medical error occurred. There are other exceptions related to those under the age of 18 harmed by a medical professional.
Work With a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of a medical professional in Michigan, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A Southfield medical malpractice lawyer can use their resources to conduct a complete investigation into the incident. They will work with trusted medical experts who can evaluate the case and help determine liability. Importantly, an attorney will negotiate with all parties involved and fully prepare the claim for trial if necessary.
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