The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services reports that medical errors are one of the nation’s leading causes of death and injury. It is estimated that between 44,000 and up to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year due to medical errors. These numbers surprisingly indicate that more people die each year from medical errors than from car accidents, breast cancer or AIDS. Thousands more suffer injuries from medical errors that can cause lifelong suffering and disability.
Where Do Medical Errors Occur?
Medical malpractice can occur anywhere within the health care system including hospitals and clinics, outpatient surgery centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, pharmacies and even in patient’s homes. Injuries vary and can include brain injuries, stroke, paralysis, cerebral palsy, nerve damage, and surgical removal of a wrong body part to name just a few.
Sometimes the reasons for medical errors stem from hospitals overworking their doctors and medical staff. Healthcare professionals who are hurried and tired may not take the time needed to correctly take and document medical histories. Tired and stressed out healthcare professionals can become indifferent and make mistakes that can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of their patients. But this is no excuse when it affects a person’s health and possibly their life; it amounts to medical negligence.
Various Types of Injures Due To Error
• Medicines wrongly administered
• Prescription filled with wrong drug
• Surgical and anesthesia errors
• Diagnosis and misdiagnosis
• Equipment
• Lab reports
We trust our doctors and other healthcare providers to use due diligence when providing our medical care. When they fail to provide us with the accepted standard of care or perform procedures incorrectly, it often results in unnecessary injury and disability, and can even be fatal.
Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a family member has been the victim of a medical error, you can benefit from contacting South Carolina medical malpractice attorney Goldstein & Hayes. We are experienced in handling cases involving medical errors and consult with a large network of medical experts and specialists to help build a strong case. We can help you recover the financial compensation you are entitled to.