Medical Malpractice Lawyer Memphis TN
According to national statistics, there are about 85,000 medical malpractice lawsuits filed each year, with the actual number of medical injuries suffered annually is roughly one million. Many victims live right here in Tennessee. If you suspect you or a loved one has been a victim of malpractice, contact a medical malpractice lawyer Memphis, TN residents depend on, from Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC.
What defines medical malpractice?
In order to be deemed medical malpractice, there must have been “unnecessary harm” on the patient. Harm – in itself – is not considered malpractice if that harm can be justified because the benefits to the patient outweigh the costs. For example, administering chemotherapy to a patient to treat their cancer cannot be considered medical malpractice. Chemotherapy often causes severe side effects that harm the patient, but because the treatment is considered necessary to treat the greater harm of cancer, it does not qualify as medical malpractice.
What are some examples of medical malpractice?
Some of the most common types of medical malpractice a Memphis, TN medical malpractice lawyer handles include:
- Anesthesia errors: This encompasses a wide range of errors that include more than just administering anesthesia improperly. It may also be considered medical malpractice if the patient is not properly informed about the proper pre-anesthesia process or if the healthcare provider neglects to appropriately investigate the patient’s medical history before administering anesthesia. Improper intubation also falls under the category of anesthesia-related medical malpractice.
- Childbirth errors: Any undue harm to the fetus or the mother may be considered medical malpractice. This also includes inadequate prenatal care.
- Diagnostic errors: A healthcare provider may diagnose the wrong condition or fail to diagnose a condition, which may be considered medical malpractice if it results in harm. For example, failing to diagnose cancer which then leads to advanced cancer may be considered medical malpractice.
- Medication errors: If a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication or a nurse administers the wrong medication or dosage, this may be considered medical malpractice. This is a very common type of medical malpractice, resulting in thousands of deaths each year.
- Surgical errors: If a surgeon makes harmful mistakes during surgery such as damaging other organs, leaving surgical tools in the patient’s body, operating on the wrong body part, or operating on the wrong patient, they can be sued for medical malpractice.
What should you do if you have been a victim of medical malpractice?
If you have suffered injury or illness due to the negligence of a medical professional, you have the right to pursue a malpractice lawsuit against them. There may also be other parties who could be liable. Call Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC to schedule a free consultation with a Memphis, TN medical malpractice lawyer and find out what legal recourse you may have.