In Wisconsin, medical practice claims frequently emerge from healthcare encounters that don’t go as planned. These situations often leave patients and families facing significant challenges, seeking accountability for errors or negligence that cause harm. Martin Law Office, Wisconsin’s premier personal injury law firm, is dedicated to advocating for those affected by medical malpractice, ensuring clients get the representation they need to pursue justice and compensation. In this blog, we’ll delve into the most common types of medical malpractice claims in Wisconsin and explore how legal recourse can help those impacted.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in injury, harm, or death to a patient. While not every adverse outcome qualifies as malpractice, some clear indicators may justify a claim, including errors that stem from negligence, improper treatment, or failure to diagnose. Navigating these cases can be complex, and having an experienced legal team is crucial to building a strong case.
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis rank among the most prevalent types of malpractice claims. A timely and accurate diagnosis is often the cornerstone of effective treatment. However, when doctors fail to recognize symptoms or misinterpret test results, it can delay essential care, worsening a patient’s condition. This is particularly common in cases involving cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and infections, where early intervention can be life-saving. Misdiagnosis not only affects patient health but also leads to significant emotional and financial strain.
Example: A woman with chest pain might be misdiagnosed with acid reflux instead of a heart attack, missing the critical window for lifesaving treatment.
Surgery is inherently risky, but avoidable errors during surgical procedures can have severe consequences. Common surgical mistakes include operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside the body, or performing the incorrect procedure. Surgical errors are often attributed to poor communication, fatigue, or lack of protocol adherence. Such incidents can lead to infections, prolonged recovery times, and even fatalities.
Example: A surgeon accidentally leaves a sponge in the patient’s abdomen, causing an infection and necessitating additional surgery.
Errors involving medication are among the most frequent causes of malpractice claims. These errors can occur at various points—from prescription to administration. They might include prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or overlooking potential drug interactions. For patients with complex conditions or multiple medications, the stakes are particularly high, as even a minor error can lead to severe complications.
Example: A patient is prescribed a medication that conflicts with another drug they are taking, resulting in dangerous side effects.
Childbirth is a complex process, and any oversight by healthcare providers can lead to birth injuries affecting both mother and child. Birth injuries might include conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brachial plexus injuries caused by excessive force or improper techniques during delivery. Often, birth injury claims arise from failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools, or delayed decision-making regarding C-sections.
Example: A delayed response to signs of fetal distress may lead to brain damage in the newborn.
Anesthesia requires meticulous attention because even minor errors can have significant repercussions. Anesthesia-related malpractice may involve administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to review a patient’s medical history for allergies, or inadequate monitoring during surgery. Anesthesia errors can lead to complications like brain damage, paralysis, or even death.
Example: A patient with a history of allergic reactions might suffer an adverse event if this information isn’t reviewed before anesthesia administration.
Informed consent is a foundational principle in healthcare, where patients should be made aware of the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of a procedure. When doctors fail to fully inform patients, it can result in misunderstandings and potential harm. A failure to obtain informed consent might involve a lack of disclosure about alternative treatments or a failure to convey the risks associated with a procedure.
Example: If a patient isn’t informed of possible complications from a procedure and suffers an unexpected outcome, they may have grounds for a malpractice claim.
When medical malpractice causes harm, victims may feel helpless or unsure of their options. At Martin Law Office, we understand the challenges patients and families face following a malpractice incident. Our team specializes in investigating complex medical cases, identifying liability, and building strong claims to pursue the compensation our clients deserve. We believe that holding healthcare providers accountable is essential in preventing future incidents and ensuring justice for those affected.
If you or a loved one suspects you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, taking prompt action is crucial. Document all relevant details, including symptoms, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. This information can be vital in supporting your case. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice at Martin Law Office is also essential to understand your rights and potential next steps.
Medical malpractice cases can be complex, requiring expertise and a thorough understanding of Wisconsin’s healthcare and legal landscape. Martin Law Office has a proven track record of success in medical malpractice cases and is ready to stand by your side. If you’ve experienced harm due to medical negligence, contact us today at 414-856-4010 to schedule a FREE case consultation and learn how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.
