Hospitals Seek To Prevent Misdiagnosis: Medical Malpractice
According to the National Patient Safety Foundation, one of the biggest risks to safety of patients is misdiagnosis. A startling statistic that many aren’t aware of is that 1 in 10 individuals suffer an incorrect diagnosis.
Our law office addressed the question of whether misdiagnosis is considered medical malpractice. The answer to this is yes, it probably is if an individual ends up suffering injury from that misdiagnosis. If a physician fails to diagnose a patient and they do not receive the treatment that they need as a result, they could possibly file a medical malpractice claim.
Individuals who find themselves in these situations have to be careful though. The fact remains that doctors do not have crystal balls and they cannot diagnose everything. This means that if someone suffers from misdiagnosis, it must be a clear case in which it is evident that the doctor missed something that they should have seen.
Watch attorney Mike Bruno explain when misdiagnosis is considered medical malpractice.
Promedica Seeks to Make Patients Safer
Promedia is taking steps to make their patients safer in their 12 hospitals.
Promedica’s safety specialist, Dr. Brian Kaminski said that hospitals in our area are taking patient safety very seriously. According to Dr. Kaminski, “If you could classify medical errors as a disease state, it would be the sixth leading cause of death.”
What’s the first step of a medical malpractice claim?
Some of the efforts being taken include giving patients a fall rating, attempting to prevent falls that can result in serious injury. The levels are red, yellow, and green.
Another area to monitor is IV or central line infections. Dr. Kaminski said that one-third of patients who get one of these infections could die. Safety precautions, proper techniques, masks, gowns, and other sterile materials are utilized to help reduce the risk for infections.
Read more about the safety precautions in hospitals.
Injured While in Hospital
While the hospitals are making it a point to increase safety for patients, there are still some people who face the risk of suffering serious injury while in the hospital. Patients may fall due to improper procedures, or they could get infected due to unsterile practices.
Our office advises anyone who has been affected by improper hospital care or diagnosis to contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. If care is received that does not ensure the patient’s health, they could seek damages for the pain and suffering that has resulted.
To speak to an attorney in our office about a misdiagnosis or injury in a hospital, call 800.637.8170. We will explain the medical malpractice legal procedure and assess your case so you can follow the proper steps toward justice.
