Medical Procedures Most Likely to Lead to Medical Malpractice Claims

By and large, our medical providers do everything they can to provide safe, effective medical care. Unfortunately, mistakes can still occur, and surprisingly, they happen more often than people realize. And while medical malpractice can happen at any time, certain procedures are more likely to result in medical malpractice claims than others. Whatever procedure you received, contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible if you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice. 

Childbirth

Despite how common it is, the procedures involved in delivering a baby are some of the most risky. Birth injuries are more common than you may think and medical malpractice can sometimes even result in death. Injuries to the mother are also common. Some of the most common causes of medical malpractice cases arising from childbirth include the following: 

• Failure to timely perform a Cesarean section
• Failure to properly monitor the baby’s vital signs
• Allowing labor to go on for too long
• Injuries caused by the improper use of vacuums or forceps
• Injuries caused by pulling or twisting the baby’s head or neck

Many birth injuries can result in permanent medical issues or disabilities for the child. If you or your child was injured during birth, a medical malpractice attorney will be able to determine whether you have a medical malpractice case. 

Cosmetic Surgery

It seems like there are new cosmetic surgeries coming onto the market every year. Some procedures, such as plastic surgery, obviously require a highly trained and skilled medical professional. Other procedures such as botox injections or liposuction, may be provided by a doctor such as a dermatologist – someone who may not have the necessary training and experience to safely perform the procedure. Furthermore, many of these cosmetic procedures are done in outpatient clinical settings, meaning that they may not have the personnel and resources on hand should they encounter an emergency. Even though the procedure is for cosmetic purposes, the medical doctor is still obligated to ensure that the treatment meets the relevant standard of care. 

Transplants

Any type of organ transplant is going to be an incredibly complex procedure. As a result, there are many opportunities for things to go wrong or for mistakes to occur. Many medical malpractice claims arise from transplants where the doctor failed to disclose or downplayed known risks and potential side effects. The consequences of a failed transplant can be very serious. If you have suffered as a result of a transplant gone wrong, you should contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.  

Major Surgeries

Complex, major surgeries regularly lead to medical malpractice claims. These claims can arise from failing to disclose known risks and side effects or failure to explain viable alternatives. Other claims can arise due to surgical errors such as the following: 

• Leaving instruments inside the body cavity
• Operating on the wrong body part or at the wrong site
• The wrong procedure was performed
• Damage to surrounding tissues or organs
• Infection due to unsterilized surgical equipment

Malpractice claims can also arise from anesthesia errors or poor postoperative care that leads to infection and other complications. If you underwent surgery and something went wrong, a medical malpractice attorney can determine whether you may be entitled to compensation. 

Laser Surgeries

Surgeries involving the use of a laser prompt a significant number of medical malpractice claims. One reason is that there may not be clear requirements as to who operates the laser and the amount of training or experience they need. Errors or mistakes can result in significant damage to surrounding tissues or organs – damage that may be irreversible. 

How Do You Know if Your Provider Committed Medical Malpractice?

The best thing you can do is listen to your body. If you are experiencing unexpected symptoms such as fever, swelling, pain, or nausea, you should seek medical treatment immediately. Furthermore, you do not need to prove that you are the victim of medical malpractice. Focus on your health, and let a trained professional determine whether your medical provider committed malpractice. 

Contact Ragain & Clark to Speak with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

If you have been harmed as a result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To discuss your case and whether you have a claim, contact us today at 406-651-8888 (Billings) or 307-388-6400 (Worland) to schedule a free consultation.