When we seek medical care, we trust doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers with our health and well-being. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen in medical settings, and when those mistakes fall below the accepted standard of care, they can lead to devastating injuries or even death. In Wisconsin, medical malpractice claims are designed to hold healthcare providers accountable and help patients and families recover compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
At Martin Law Office, we have seen firsthand how medical malpractice impacts lives. Our legal team is committed to standing up for patients and families when preventable medical errors occur. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common types of medical malpractice claims in Wisconsin and what you should know if you or a loved one has been affected.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver treatment that meets the standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Not every bad outcome qualifies as malpractice, but when negligence, mistakes, or omissions cause injury, the law provides a path for accountability.
The following are some of the most common medical malpractice claims we see in Wisconsin.
Misdiagnosis is one of the most frequent forms of malpractice. When a doctor fails to recognize the signs of a serious illness or provides the wrong diagnosis, it can delay critical treatment and worsen the patient’s condition.
For example, if chest pain is mistaken for indigestion instead of a heart attack, the patient may lose valuable time for lifesaving intervention. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can mean more aggressive treatment later, reduced survival rates, and significant emotional distress for the patient and their family.
Surgery always carries risks, but some surgical mistakes are preventable and result from negligence. These errors include:
Surgical errors can lead to infection, additional surgeries, long recovery times, and in some cases, permanent disability or death. Patients place enormous trust in surgeons, and when that trust is broken, the consequences are life-altering.
Medications save lives, but when prescribed or administered incorrectly, they can cause serious harm. Medication errors are another leading cause of malpractice claims. They may involve:
For patients managing chronic conditions or taking multiple prescriptions, the margin for error is small. A single mistake can lead to dangerous side effects, allergic reactions, or life-threatening complications.
Welcoming a new child should be one of life’s happiest moments, but when mistakes occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the outcome can be heartbreaking. Birth injuries are a common source of malpractice claims and may include:
These injuries often result from delayed C-sections, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to monitor fetal distress. Birth injury claims not only seek justice but also help families secure resources for long-term medical care and support.
Anesthesia is complex and requires precision. Even small mistakes can have catastrophic results. Anesthesia errors may involve:
Consequences can range from waking up during surgery to permanent brain damage or death. Patients put their lives in the hands of anesthesiologists, and there is no room for error.
Before any procedure, patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives. When providers fail to obtain informed consent, patients may undergo treatment without understanding the potential consequences.
If a patient experiences complications they were never warned about, or if alternative treatments weren’t discussed, this lack of consent may form the basis of a malpractice claim. Informed consent is about respecting patient autonomy and ensuring they can make educated decisions about their healthcare.
Medical malpractice claims serve two critical purposes:
At Martin Law Office, we believe in protecting patients’ rights and ensuring that medical errors do not go unchecked.
If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence, it’s important to act quickly. Here are a few steps to take:
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require detailed investigation and expert testimony. Having a skilled legal team by your side can make all the difference.
At Martin Law Office, we understand how devastating medical malpractice can be for patients and their families. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these challenging cases and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact us today for a FREE case consultation by calling 414.856.4010 to learn how we can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.
