Common Causes of Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical professionals face a unique set of challenges every day, and even the most experienced practitioners can become the subject of a medical malpractice claim. These claims can negatively affect careers, reputations, and finances. Understanding the common causes of medical malpractice claims can help you reduce risks and maintain a higher standard of care in your practice.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

One leading cause of medical malpractice claims stems from diagnostic errors. Misdiagnosing a patient’s condition or failing to diagnose it in a timely manner can lead to improper treatment, worsening conditions, or unnecessary suffering.

These situations often result from incomplete assessments or failing to order the correct diagnostic tests. Doctors can reduce the likelihood of diagnostic errors by spending more time with patients, thoroughly reviewing their histories, and staying current with advancements in diagnostic technologies.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are other causes of malpractice claims. Mistakes during surgery, such as performing the wrong procedure, forgetting to remove surgical instruments, or causing additional medical problems, can have severe consequences.

While most surgeons take every precaution to avoid these errors, small mistakes can lead to a malpractice suit. Maintaining accurate communication, following protocols, and conducting pre-surgery briefings can reduce the occurrence of such errors.

Medication Errors

Administering or prescribing the wrong medication is a common cause of malpractice claims. These errors can happen due to the following:

• Medication dosage errors
• Prescribing the wrong medication
• Missing possible drug interactions

Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies run the risk of committing medication errors. Medical professionals should regularly update patient records, check medication histories, and verify prescriptions before administration to minimize the risk of malpractice claims.

Failure To Inform Patients of Risks

Informed consent is a critical component of patient care. Patients have the right to understand the potential risks and benefits of any procedure or treatment they receive.

When practitioners fail to disclose these risks and the patient suffers harm, a malpractice claim can arise. To avoid such claims, fully inform patients and ask them to sign consent forms before proceeding with any treatment or surgical intervention.

Improper Aftercare or Follow-Up

Once you’ve performed a procedure or administered treatment, appropriate aftercare and follow-up are essential. A lack of communication during recovery or failure to monitor the patient’s progress can lead to complications and subsequent claims. The patient should receive detailed instructions and schedule follow-ups to prevent potential issues from occurring.

Healthcare professionals must understand the common causes of medical malpractice claims. By taking proactive steps to address these risks, medical practitioners can safeguard their practice and patient relationships. Additionally, securing medical practice liability insurance is essential to protect against the financial repercussions of malpractice claims. Contact Baxter & Associates to find the best, most comprehensive coverage for your practice. We’ll help you protect yourself financially so you can continue providing excellent patient care.