Medical professionals are some of the most trusted and well respected members of our society. We trust them to perform surgery and deliver children, provide prescriptions for medication when we are sick, and deliver diagnoses for life-altering ailments. But, they are human and are culpable of making mistakes and oversights that can have negative and adverse effects, or even worse, fatal consequences.
If you lose a loved one as a result, you or your family members may pursue legal action against the medical professional whose negligence caused their death. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Wrongful Death from Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider is negligent and the patient is harmed. Healthcare providers who may act negligently include doctors, nurses, surgeons, midwives, hospital staff, or pharmacists. It is important, however, to note that if someone dies while receiving medical care, it does not mean it was “wrongful.”
Circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one can vary, but there are common scenarios in which a wrongful death may occur. These include:
- Surgical errors
- Medical errors
- Birth injury
- Nursing home abuse or negligence
- Misdiagnosis/failure to diagnose
- Defective medical devices
- Negligence
Surgical mistakes occur when an inexperienced or negligent surgeon operates and the risk of complications lead to brain injuries, amputations, or even wrongful death. Common surgical errors include:
- Anesthesia errors
- Operating on the wrong patient
- Operating on the wrong part of the body
- Performing the wrong surgery
- Infection
- Forgetting a surgical instrument inside a patient’s body
Types of Birth Injuries
The birth of your child is one of the most important days in your life. However, when a medical professional makes a mistake leading to complications during labor and delivery, your child can sustain serious birth injuries that can lead to years of treatment and rehabilitation. If your child suffered a birth injury due to a negligent doctor’s actions, you could be eligible for recovering compensation to pay for medical treatment and other related expenses.
Common birth injuries can include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Shoulder dystocia
- Brain, neck, and spinal cord injuries
Medication Errors
More people are taking prescription drugs than ever before, and the responsibility of medical professionals for prescribing and dispensing them has never been greater. If a patient takes the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, the interaction of the drugs can be devastating and even result in death. Doctors, pharmacists, or healthcare professionals such as nursing home employees can be held responsible.
Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney
If you believe that medical malpractice and negligence played a role in the death of a loved one, then you may want to consider hiring a wrongful death attorney who will investigate and prepare the strongest case to ensure that you are well compensated for your loss. At The Law Office of Fredson Statmore Bitterman, we surpass your expectations. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. When you hire us, our wrongful death attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation that can help you recover what you are owed.
