The Consequences of Medical Malpractice

There are few people who would disagree with the assertion that the degree of professional responsibility held by physicians, surgeons, and others in the healthcare field is virtually unparalleled by that found in any others. When people are sick or injured, they depend wholly upon the counsel, professional opinion, and treatment that their doctors have to offer. In the event that these parties fail to attain the reasonably expected standard of care, a patient may suffer severe adverse health effects which require additional treatment and may in some instances prove fatal. These instances may constitute medical malpractice, and depending upon the circumstances, you may wish to consider filing a civil lawsuit to secure financial compensation for your injuries.

The current structure of the American healthcare system lends itself to these preventable tragedies because there are so many different procedures and workers involved in the administration of care for a single patient. With each link in the chain of communication, there is the possibility that a mistake can be made. Determining that you have been the victim of medical malpractice as opposed to merely suffering the side effects of a particular treatment option can require a careful investigation as hospital officials are unlikely to offer much transparency with regard to their own records unless forced to do so.

Effects and Examples of Medical Malpractice

The potential consequences of substandard care and medical mistakes are shaped by the nature of the patient's existing health concerns and the kind and severity of the error that was made. The following list represents some of the possible adverse health effects that a patient might suffer as the victim of medical malpractice:

* Elevated risk of post-surgical infections
* Excessive blood loss
* Brain damage
* Loss of sensation or motor function
* Sensorial impairments
* Drug complications

There is no question that there are substantial pressures associated with most aspects of healthcare, given the high cost of mistakes. But physicians and other healthcare professionals have a duty to accomplish their appointed responsibilities in spite of those demands. The following are some examples of medical malpractice that are representative of the dangers patients may face:

* Wrong patient surgery
* Wrong site surgery
* Foreign objects left in the body
* Improper suturing
* Pharmaceutical errors
* Mishandled surgical instruments
* Failure to diagnose
* Delayed diagnosis
* Patient abandonment
* Improper treatment

For the Help You Need

In the confusing and difficult aftermath of becoming the victim of medical malpractice, it can be hard to know where to turn. Contact the Houston medical malpractice lawyers of Williams Kherkher.
Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine