When a medical professional fails to treat or care for the needs of a patient the consequences can be devastating. It is generally expected that when you seek medical care, you are to receive care that meets medically acceptable standards. As our resident lawyers here at Darrell Castle & Associates explain, when care providers fail to meet their obligations to standards of care and a patient subsequently suffers harm, it may constitute medical malpractice. If you feel that your injury or illness is a direct result of medical malpractice it is strongly recommended that you speak with a Memphis, TN medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

Here are a few types of cases where medical malpractice is commonly involved:

Misdiagnosis & failure to diagnose.

With certain ailments and injuries it is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner. The sooner an issue can be diagnosed, the sooner an appropriate treatment plan can be initiated. Delays and misdiagnosis commonly lead to a worsening of the condition and as a result it may be more challenging to treat it. Proper care should be administered in a timely manner and every effort should be made on behalf of the care provider to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate. Patients who believe they have been misdiagnosed may have grounds to take legal action.

Delayed Care

When a patient is in need of urgent medical care, but the care provider fails to see them in a timely manner may suffer further harm as a result. Certain injuries and illnesses require immediate attention, and when the care provider fails to do so, the condition may worsen. For example, if someone goes to the ER with serious chest pain, but is forced to wait for an extended period of time and as a result the condition worsens to an extreme level, medical malpractice may be to blame.

Anesthesia-related Errors

Anesthesia errors are a common type of medical malpractice that can have devastating consequences for patients. If anesthesia is not administered appropriately, patients may suffer permanent brain damage as a result of hypoxia and numerous other adverse health effects.

Misread Lab Results

When lab tests are misinterpreted, the patient’s health may continue to decline. Lab tests are an essential tool that doctors and care providers use to diagnose the state of a patient. When these tests are not accurately assessed, the patient may suffer serious consequences. Malpractice may be to blame when this is the case.

Prescription Errors

Prescription errors are commonly a result of medical malpractice. When the wrong drug is prescribed and administered, the patient may suffer harmful effects and even death. Similarly, when incorrect directions are provided by a pharmacist regarding how the patient is to use the prescription can lead to harm.

Speak with a local lawyer that specializes in medical malpractice cases if you believe your condition or illness is a direct result of negligent behaviors on the behalf of your care provider. A lawyer will be able to best advise you on an appropriate course of action for holding those who are responsible accountable.