Common Medical Errors

8 Common Medical Errors that Can Destroy Lives

Each and every year people die unnecessarily because of medical errors in hospitals and medical facilities across the country that could have easily been prevented. In fact, the third leading cause of death in the U.S. is due to iatrogentic medical errors, preceded by heart disease and cancer as the first and second respectively.

Below are some examples of the most common types of medical malpractice that occur every day in the world of medicine. Many of these errors can result in death or serious injury:

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1. Prescription errors - According to the FDA, prescription errors account for 1.3 million injuries and deaths per year. Miscommunication, package labeling issues and prescribing the wrong medication altogether are big problems. Research your medicine and understand the description of the pill you are prescribed and what the side effects are before you take the medication.
2. Infections - According to the CDC, 70,000 deaths per year can occur due to infection. The neonatal, pediatric and burn ICU are the three most common areas in hospitals that have a very high rate of infection.
3. Wrong site surgical errors - Incorrect incisions, taking out the wrong organ and unsanitary equipment can lead to very serious complications. Communicate extensively with your doctor about exactly what your surgery will entail before the operating table.
4. Inaccurate diagnosis - Many times a wrong diagnosis is made, meaning the wrong medicine is given – which in turn can result in serious side effects and complications.
5. Equipment malfunction - Medical tools that aren't working properly can cause serious harm or death.
6. IV errors - Wrong medication or improper amount of medication given intravenously to a person can cause serious damage or even death.
7. Improper supervision of patients - Many times a patient may be in a hospital bed for a very long time before anyone checks on him/her due to nursing shortages or neglect. It is best to always have someone with you overnight when you are in the hospital to ensure regular supervision.
8. Poor follow up with patient - Not scheduling the patient proper amount of follow up visits to make certain that they are healing well can be an issue.

When you go to the hospital for treatment, everyone hopes to come out feeling better than when you arrived. Unfortunately, sometimes this does not happen.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a health care provider's negligence, or a death has occurred, contact one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Gilreath & Associates for a free consultation. We'd like to help you navigate through this incredibly trying and difficult time.