Common Signs of Medical Malpractice

Doctors and other medical professionals are trusted to do what is best for our health, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. However, since mistakes can be made, it is important to be aware of the common signs of medical malpractice. 

If you have followed through on all recommended treatments, taken all prescribed medications, had required surgeries, etc., and your medical condition is not improving, it can be a sign of medical malpractice. You may have been misdiagnosed, or your doctor has not prescribed the correct treatment plan.

Treatment Doesn’t Make Sense With Your Diagnosis

If your doctor has made drastic treatment recommendations, such as prescribing medications with severe side effects or ordering invasive surgeries, for a relatively common and non-serious medical condition, you may have a malpractice case. Alternatively, if your doctor is not ordering aggressive enough treatment for a severe illness or condition, you may be the victim of medical malpractice.

Your Doctor Only Ordered Basic Lab Tests

Serious illnesses and conditions require extensive testing to diagnose. If your physician only ordered basic lab tests and diagnosed you with a severe condition,  you may have been misdiagnosed. On the other hand, if you believe you have a serious condition and your doctor has failed to order any tests beyond basic lab work, that may be a sign of failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis.

A Second Opinion is Different From Your Diagnosis

If you received a diagnosis or failed to receive one and sought a second opinion from a doctor who gave a different diagnosis, it can be a sign that your original doctor did not do their job correctly. This is especially the case if you sought a third opinion and the result was the same as the second.

An Error Was Made During Surgery

Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other physicians will sometimes admit to an error or complication that arose during surgery. Other times patients discover on their own that a mistake was made. If you develop new symptoms after a surgical procedure that indicates a mistake was made or are unrelated to your original medical issue, it can be a sign of medical malpractice.

The Hospital Or Care Facility You Stayed In Was Understaffed

Understaffed hospitals and medical facilities are a major cause of medical errors and negligence. For example, if you spent time in a hospital or medical facility and the staff failed to meet your needs, you may have a case for medical malpractice.

No Follow-Up Care

When you have undergone surgery, are prescribed a new medication, or receive other new types of treatment, your doctor must provide follow-up care to determine whether the treatment has helped or been detrimental. Failure to provide this care to patients, or leaving a patient to their own devices, can be dangerous to their health long term. As a result, you may have a malpractice claim.

Speak to a Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical professional’s failure to provide the care expected of them, contact an experienced Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate your case.