One of the most common forms of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition correctly or in a timely manner, it can lead to serious consequences, such as progression of the illness, incorrect treatments, or even death. Misdiagnosis can happen in many situations, including cancer, infections, heart attacks, and more.
If you or a family member were a victim of negligent care by a doctor, dentist, or other licensed healthcare professional or facility, you might have a right to obtain compensation for the injuries you suffered. Seeking the assistance of experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Charleston can be a crucial step in this process.
Negligent care means your diagnosis and/or treatment failed to meet a “standard of care,” and this failure resulted in injuries or even death. Given that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, having skilled medical malpractice lawyers on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
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Overview of Medical Malpractice in Charleston
Medical malpractice refers to professional negligence by a healthcare provider that results in harm to a patient. This can happen in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient facilities. Injuries caused by medical malpractice can include physical harm, emotional distress, and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider in Charleston, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and having an experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is a specific legal area that seeks to provide compensation for people who were injured by licensed medical professionals and facilities before, during, and after health-related diagnoses and treatments. In a medical malpractice claim, it must be proven that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care and directly caused harm to the patient. This area of law covers various types of claims, including:
- Misdiagnosis: Occurs when a doctor fails to diagnose a condition or misidentifies it, leading to incorrect treatment.
- Surgery: Surgical errors, such as performing the wrong procedure, leaving instruments inside the patient, or operating on the wrong body part.
- Treatment: Errors related to the treatment plan, such as providing the wrong medication or treatment for a medical condition.
- Obstetrics-related: Malpractice involving childbirth and pregnancy, including issues like improper prenatal care or delivery errors.
- Medication-related: Errors related to prescribing, administering, or monitoring medications, such as incorrect dosages or harmful drug interactions.
- Anesthesia-related: Errors related to anesthesia, such as improper administration, incorrect dosages, or failure to monitor patients during surgery.
- Monitoring-related: Failure to monitor a patient’s condition appropriately, leading to complications or deterioration.
- Other: This category includes miscellaneous claims related to equipment malfunctions, behavior health-related issues, and IV or blood product-related errors.
