Medical malpractice and medical negligence are terms that, in reality, are interchangeable. To some lay people, there is thought to be a degree of difference in what the outcome may be between malpractice and negligence. Negligence is thought to not have as dire a consequence as malpractice. In fact, negligence is a cause of malpractice. Negligence is malpractice. Medical malpractice and medical negligence are complex legal issues best left to an experienced medical malpractice attorney to decipher and explain to you should you feel you have medical malpractice case.
Medical malpractice is terminology used to describe a medical mistake made by a physician, other medical professional, a facility or institution that leads to the injury or the death of a patient. Medical negligence occurs when a physician or other medical professional, facility or institution fails to perform their duties to a standard of conduct held by the medical profession.
Medical malpractice is the third leading
cause of death in this country. Only heart disease and cancer cause more deaths. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed 250,000 people die each year in the United States due to the consequences of medical malpractice and negligence.
Medical malpractice and medical negligence can take various forms and can include, but not be limited to:
Surgical errors
Medication errors
Failure to diagnose
Wrong diagnosis
Improper treatment
The top five diseases mentioned in most medical malpractice and medical negligence cases are breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, heart attack and appendicitis. Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis was alleged as the basis for the claims. Failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis causes a delay in the proper care and treatment of the patient, resulting in a less advantageous outcome, permanent disability, or even death.
Compensation in the case of medical malpractice or medical negligence can include recovery of damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses and the loss of quality of life. If the medical malpractice or negligence results in the death of the patient, the family or heirs may also seek recovery of damages. Every case has complex issues and must be determined on a case by case basis.
If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and you or someone you love has suffered injury, permanent disability or even death due to medical malpractice or negligence, please visit the website of the medical malpractice lawyers at Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter today to learn about your legal rights and whether you are entitled to compensation.Originally published
here.Erich Shrefler
