Medical errors are more common than we may believe. Although healthcare providers have a duty to uphold a certain standard of care while treating patients, some medical professionals commit negligent acts that cause serious injuries and worsening illnesses. In cases like this, it is advised to consult with an injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV. Here, we will further explain some of the most common types of medical errors in Nevada healthcare facilities, which include misdiagnosis, prescription drug errors, and hospital-acquired infections.
Misdiagnosis
When you go to the doctor with certain symptoms, he or she will typically order relevant diagnostic tests based on what you are experiencing. This helps the physician rule out different ailments until he or she can diagnose the condition. If the doctor fails to order the right tests and offers the wrong diagnosis, serious complications can occur.
While some conditions are very rare and can be difficult to diagnose, misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to order the proper tests while evaluating a patient. His or her actions deviate from what another provider would have done under the same circumstances.
For example, say that you visit the doctor after coughing up blood, have chronic chest pain, and experience sudden weight loss. These are common symptoms of cancer, and a doctor should order tests to rule this condition out. Instead, your doctor fails to order the proper tests and diagnoses you with pneumonia. Your cancer could worsen until it is detected, leading to a poorer outcome than if the first doctor had performed the right tests.
Medication Errors
When administering medication, healthcare professionals have a responsibility to make sure that they are providing the correct medication, to the right patient, at the right dosage. However, medication errors can occur during this process.
You may be prescribed too much of a medication, leading to an overdose and severe complications. You may be given a medication you are allergic to, triggering a serious reaction. Your medication could be completely ineffective, and your condition can worsen, leading to a worse outcome.
Infections
Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities must keep their premises clean, and their devices, tools, and surfaces sanitized. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, approximately one in every 31 patients acquires a healthcare-associated infection every day.
These infections can result in severe, sometimes life-threatening complications. In fact, many hospital-acquired infections involve antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are extremely difficult to treat and can be deadly. If you have a weakened immune system, these infections can be very dangerous.
Improper Discharge
Hospitals need to be very careful when discharging patients from their facilities. Staff must ensure that each patient has received the care they need, understand their aftercare instructions, and is not experiencing additional symptoms. If a doctor or facility makes the decision to send a patient home too early, serious complications can arise.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you experience injury due to a medical provider’s error, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Under medical malpractice laws, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent party and recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
In these situations, it is important to contact a Las Vegas medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. A lawyer can evaluate your case and help you identify your optimal path to recovery. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible following the medical error to discuss your legal options.