Top 4 Causes of Seattle Medical Malpractice Claims

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 2, 2016

Unfortunately, medical malpractice is a serious problem in Seattle and nationwide. Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death for Americans. Over 400,000 people die from medical malpractice related injuries annually. Only heart disease and cancer cause more deaths each year. That number is increasing from the 1999 study showing 98,000 deaths a year. That “To Err is Human” report equated medical malpractice deaths to a deadly jumbo jet crash each day. The medical negligence epidemic is getting worse.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice or Medical Negligence is an injury caused by the negligent behavior or errors or omissions committed by health care professional, such as a doctor or nurse. Legally, this is referred to a violation of the “standard of care.” There are many different types of medical malpractice errors that can lead to serious injuries, and even death. Below are the top four causes of medical malpractice claims Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. has handled over the years.

Medication Errors

An error in prescription or medication handling can cause serious health problems. Here are the most common types of medication errors:
• Incorrect dosage recommendations
• Dosage errors
• Patients given the wrong prescription
• Patients give the wrong medication dose
• Medication equipment malfunctions

Childbirth Injuries

Many injuries suffered by children during child birth are caused by medical malpractice. Common child birth injuries include physical and mental injuries such as Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, seizures, and broken bones. Here are the most common causes of childbirth medical malpractice claims:

• Failure to diagnose difficult pregnancy or labor
• Failure to respond appropriately to fetal distress
• Failure to order a C-section in a proper time
• Failure to use forceps or a vacuum device properly

Delayed or Missed Diagnosis

These cases can be the most difficult to prove. Your experienced Seattle medical malpractice attorney will more than likely use the testimony of a medical professional to support your claim. This medical professional can testify that the doctor, nurse, or hospital responsible for your injuries acted incompetently, negligently, or not up to the level of others in the medical profession.

Anesthesia and Surgery Errors

These errors can lead to serious permanent, debilitating injuries, or even death. Surgery errors like operating on the wrong part of the body or leaving surgical tools inside a body after a procedure are frighteningly common. Anesthesia errors can be especially difficult on people because incorrectly administered anesthesia can effect the entire body.

Contact Us

Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. has helped many people suffering Seattle medical malpractice injuries. We can be reached at (888) 228-3860.