Medical Malpractice. 4 Common Types of Medical Malpractice

• Missed diagnoses. According to one international study, the most common medical malpractice claims were made due to missed diagnoses. In these types of claims, death was the most common result. The most common missed diagnoses in adults were cancer and heart attacks. Others in this category were appendicitis, bone fractures, ectopic pregnancy. For children, meningitis and cancer were common missed diagnoses.
• Prescription errors. The second biggest group of medical malpractice claims are related to prescription errors. Steroid preparations, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics were all common in claims asserting medical malpractice relating to prescriptions. Prescription errors can occur when a doctor prescribes the wrong drug or the wrong amount. They can also be made by a hospital or pharmacy in improperly dispensing medication.
• Birth Injury. According to one study, OBGYNs were the most frequently sued physician group. (Second and third were general surgeons and primary care doctors, respectively.) A doctor could be found to give negligent care before birth or during the birthing process. For example, an OBGYN could fail to identify birth defects in the baby. It is also possible that the OBGYN could use forceps or a vacuum extractor in a way that falls below the standard of care set by doctors and causes injury.
• Surgical errors. These are the mistakes that are made while a patient is in surgery. Errors like this include leaving tools in the body, operating on the wrong body part, or performing the wrong surgery.

If you are concerned that you received improper care from a doctor, you should contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer to discuss your case. In New York, there are specific steps you must take to file a medical malpractice claim, which is also subject to a statute of limitations, or a deadline before which you must file. Contact experienced New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer  of The Rybak Firm, PLLC., by completing a “Contact Us Form” on our website or by Calling 718-307-5554 for a Free consultation.