While healthcare professionals are entrusted with our well-being, errors can occur, making it crucial to identify the following common signs of medical malpractice
Lack of Improvement Despite Treatment
When you’ve diligently adhered to all suggested treatments, completed prescribed medication courses, undergone necessary surgeries, and your health has not shown signs of improvement, this could indicate potential medical malpractice. It raises the possibility of a misdiagnosis or an inadequacy in the prescribed treatment plan by your healthcare provider.
Inconsistencies Between Treatment and Diagnosis
When there are notable disparities between your diagnosis and the treatment recommended by your doctor, it could be indicative of medical malpractice. For instance, if your physician suggests aggressive interventions, such as prescribing medications with severe side effects or recommending invasive surgeries, for a medical condition that is relatively common and non-serious, it may raise concerns about the appropriateness of the treatment plan. Conversely, if your doctor fails to propose sufficiently intensive treatments for a severe illness or condition, it could also be a potential sign of medical malpractice. The alignment between diagnosis and recommended treatment is pivotal, and deviations from the expected standards may warrant further scrutiny.
Limited Diagnostic
Serious illnesses demand comprehensive testing for accurate diagnosis. If your doctor has solely relied on basic lab tests to diagnose a severe condition, it raises concerns about potential misdiagnosis. Conversely, if you suspect a serious ailment, and your doctor has not extended testing beyond basic lab work, this could signify a failure to diagnose or a delayed diagnosis. Comprehensive and appropriate diagnostic measures are essential for ensuring an accurate understanding of your health status and formulating an effective treatment plan.
A Second Opinion is Different From Your Diagnosis
A second opinion from a different doctor that yields a diagnosis different from the initial one may indicate potential shortcomings in the performance of your original doctor. This becomes even more noteworthy if a third opinion aligns with the second
Surgical Errors
Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals may occasionally acknowledge errors or complications arising during surgical procedures. Alternatively, patients may independently discover that a mistake was made. If new symptoms emerge after a surgical intervention, suggesting a procedural error or being unrelated to the initial medical issue, it could serve as an indicator of potential medical malpractice. If this is the case for you, call our surgical error lawyer in Atlanta.
Insufficient Staffing in the Hospital or Care Facility
A shortage of personnel in hospitals and medical facilities significantly contributes to medical errors and negligence. If, during your stay in a hospital or medical facility, the staff was unable to meet your needs adequately, you could potentially have grounds for a medical malpractice case.
Lack of Follow-Up Care
After undergoing surgery, being prescribed new medications, or receiving other forms of treatment, it is imperative for your doctor to offer follow-up care to assess the effectiveness or potential drawbacks of the intervention. Neglecting to provide this essential post-treatment care or leaving patients without proper guidance can pose long-term risks to their health. Such lapses in follow-up care may warrant consideration for a medical 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 medical malpractice attorney in Atlanta as soon as possible to evaluate your case.