Long-Term Impacts of Medical Malpractice Claims 

Many people assume the effects of medical malpractice are strictly physical. However, the effects may also be emotional and financial. The medical professional’s actions can impact every aspect of a victim’s life. The legal system recognizes this and has laws to help victims address some of the obstacles they face. 

Long-Term Impacts of Medical Malpractice 

According to Susan E. Loggans and Associates, malpractice errors come in many forms. A medical professional may incorrectly diagnose a person or delay a diagnosis, leading to severe consequences. Birth injuries are a form of medical malpractice, as are prenatal care mistakes. A medical professional might administer anesthesia incorrectly or prescribe the wrong medication. Lack of informed consent is a form of medical malpractice, as is failing to follow up or monitor a patient. Patients with bed sores and those who acquire an infection while at the hospital may also have a medical malpractice case. These errors can leave a person with physical and emotional pain. They may also incur costly medical bills and other damages due to this error. 

Diagnostic Errors 

Malpractice suits result from inaccurate or delayed diagnoses. A 2019 study published in the medical journal Diagnosis reported that approximately 30% of medical negligence cases today that lead to permanent disability or death are the result of a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Three-quarters of these errors are made when a patient has an infection, a vascular event, or cancer. 

Sadly, cancer is the most common type of disease that is misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late. The study published in the journal found that over 33% of high-severity harms were from cancer diagnostic errors. Lung cancer remains one of the most commonly misdiagnosed types of cancer, which is sad because the American Cancer Society states it is the second leading cause of death related to cancer. 

However, vascular events are also commonly misdiagnosed. They are the second most common error medical professionals make today. A vascular event is any event that happens abruptly and involves the blood vessels. It disrupts the circulatory system. Strokes are the most common misdiagnosed vascular event today. Heart attack and embolism are other examples. 

Infections are frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely. When a person has a severe inflammatory response to an infection, they may develop sepsis. Doctors often misdiagnose this serious medical condition, which can damage a person’s organs and bring about their death. 

Emotional Harm 

A missed or delayed diagnosis can lead to emotional harm. Negligence on the part of a medical provider might leave a person emotionally traumatized, and they may be unable to trust medical professionals again. The psychological and emotional scars of the trauma can result in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, fear, humiliation, and grief. The individual’s quality of life may be diminished due to medical malpractice. 

Financial Impacts 

Negligence on the part of a medical professional can significantly harm a person’s financial situation. The injury or life-threatening condition caused by this negligence may require long-term treatment, leading to mounting medical bills. The individual may be unable to work and generate income. They may also find they can no longer complete daily tasks such as caring for their home and need to hire somebody to assist them. Requiring outside help adds to the financial burden.  

Victim of medical malpractice deserves justice. They need to know that the long-term effects will not be theirs to bear alone. Negligent medical providers must be held responsible for their actions and provide their victims with relief. An experienced attorney can help a victim obtain this relief, so reach out today.