Medical negligence is one of the top causes of injury and death in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about what causes medical negligence, how to know if your injury or illness was the result of negligence, and how to get legal help. 

Medical Negligence Defined 

Doctors and other medical professionals owe a duty of care to their patients, meaning they’re obligated to provide an established level of care according to their specialty and experience. When the duty of care is not met and the patient suffers damages as a result, this can be considered medical negligence and is potentially compensable. 

Common examples of medical negligence include: 

• Failure to diagnose 
• Incorrect diagnosis 
• Failure to order timely or correct diagnostic testing 
• Failure to accurately interpret diagnostic test results 
• Improper administration of medication 

Causes of Medical Negligence 

Medical negligence has many causes and contributing factors. While malpractice is sometimes the result of purposeful actions or wanton carelessness, it’s most often caused by overworked doctors, understaffed hospitals, and poorly trained support staff. 

Negligence may be caused by an emergency physician who has been awake too long treating patients, or nurses who are responsible for overseeing too many patients because there aren’t enough staff to go around. Or, malpractice may occur as a result of a “perfect storm,” so to speak, where multiple errors are made that have a harmful impact on the patient. 

How to Tell If You’re a Victim 

You may be a victim of medical negligence if you: 

• Were given the wrong medication and had a reaction to it 
• Weren’t given the medication you needed and you’re conditioned worsened as a result 
• Weren’t correctly diagnosed and your conditioned worsened 
• Were refused diagnostic testing for your suspected medical condition even after requesting it 
• Weren’t provide adequate nutrition or hydration during your stay and you’re condition worsened as a result 
• Were left alone in the hospital for long periods of time without being attended to by a nurse or doctor, which caused your condition to decline 

Contact May Injury Law Today 

If you or a loved one were the victim of medical negligence and have suffered damages as a result of malpractice, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact May Injury Law today to learn more about medical malpractice lawsuits or to schedule a consultation.