If people in Oklahoma and elsewhere are harmed because of a medical error, they may be victims of medical malpractice. One of its most common forms is the misdiagnosing a health issue. When someone is misdiagnosed, he or she may not receive proper treatment in a timely manner. In fact, an individual may not receive any treatment at all. This could result in unnecessary pain, medical bills and other negative consequences.
Surgical errors are another common form of medical malpractice. Examples of surgical mistakes include operating on the wrong body part or performing an incorrect procedure. According to the Patient Safety Network, these serious issues could be prevented with better communication and other reforms.
It is not uncommon for a baby to sustain an injury at the time of his or her birth. Newborns could experience skull, brain and nerve damage. These injuries could result in physical and emotional development delays. Mothers could also experience injuries during delivery, including infections and tearing. They could also become depressed or experience other mental problems because of an error during delivery.
Medication errors harm up to 1.3 million people per year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As with surgical errors, better communication may make it possible to avoid some or all medication errors.
Individuals who are harmed by medical professionals may be able to recoup compensation for damages related to the errors. Victims can use this money to recover lost wages or make up for future earnings if they can’t return to work after a botched surgery or misdiagnosis. If someone experiences emotional trauma because of a medical error, compensation may also be available. An attorney may review a case to determine whether to settle or pursue a formal trial.