Towson, Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Attorney for Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice in Towson
Medical malpractice is a serious concern that affects many patients in Maryland. When healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected in their field, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding the different forms of medical malpractice is crucial for recognizing when a patient's rights may have been violated. When negligence by a medical professional has caused you to suffer harm, the skilled attorney at Serafini Law can help you recover compensation that will address your injuries and losses.
Misdiagnosis: A Common and Costly Error
Misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor incorrectly identifies a patient's illnesses or health issues, leading to inappropriate treatment or delayed care. This type of malpractice is surprisingly common, and it can have severe repercussions for the patient. Here are some ways patients may suffer harm due to misdiagnosis:
- Failure to diagnose a condition - Missing a diagnosis of a critical illness like cancer can result in lost treatment opportunities.
- Diagnosing the wrong illness - This may lead to treatment for an illness a patient does not have, which can lead to harmful side effects.
- Delayed diagnosis - Failure to identify a condition can cause illnesses or health issues to become worse due to a lack of timely intervention.
Surgical Errors: Avoidable Yet Impactful
Surgical errors are among the most harmful forms of medical malpractice, as they often occur during physically invasive procedures. The following are examples of surgical errors that can arise due to negligence:
- Wrong site surgery - Procedures may be performed on the incorrect body part or area.
- Use of unsterilized instruments - Failure to follow the correct sanitary procedures can lead to dangerous infections.
- Foreign objects left in the body - Surgical tools like sponges or clamps can be accidentally left inside a patient, causing significant harm.
Incorrect Treatment: Dangerous Deviations from Standard Care
When healthcare professionals fail to follow the accepted medical guidelines, patients may receive incorrect treatments that can lead to further health issues. Incorrect treatment may include:
- Prescription errors - A patient may be provided with the wrong medication or dosage, which can result in adverse drug reactions.
- Use of unsafe procedures - Medical providers may provide treatments that have not been properly tested or are unsuitable for a patient's condition.
- Failure to follow up - If a doctor does not monitor a patient's progress after treatment, complications or other health issues may not be addressed correctly.
Lack of Informed Consent
Patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of any medical procedure before consenting to treatment. When this right is violated, patients may suffer serious harm. Some common scenarios involving lack of informed consent include:
- Insufficient disclosures - A doctor may not provide enough details about the potential risks of a surgery or a procedure.
- Patient coercion - A provider may pressure a patient to consent without giving them enough time or information to make an informed decision.
- Failure to obtain consent - A procedure may be performed without the patient's explicit permission.
Contact Our Towson, MD Medical Malpractice Attorney
Medical malpractice cases in Maryland highlight the critical importance of professionalism in healthcare. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, incorrect treatment, and lack of informed consent can jeopardize patient safety, and these issues can also undermine trust in medical institutions. Patients who have been affected by medical malpractice may experience physical harm, emotional distress, and financial burdens due to increased medical expenses. Lost wages while recovering from these issues can add another layer of financial strain to an already difficult situation.
People who have suffered harm due to medical malpractice can take steps to hold negligent medical professionals accountable. By doing so, they can recover financial compensation, and they can also support the broader goal of improving healthcare quality and patient safety across the board.
If you have been impacted by medical malpractice, the skilled lawyer at Serafini Law can provide guidance and support as you navigate your claim. For legal help as you take steps to recover compensation for your injuries, contact us at 240-744-1600. We offer free consultations, and we are available 24/7. Let us get to work and fight for you today.