Medical malpractice is a common occurrence in the military. It can happen when a doctor or other medical professional fails to provide proper care to a patient, resulting in injury or death. Reports state that medical malpractice claim costs in the US have increased by 50 percent since 2009.
If you are a military member and have been injured due to medical malpractice, you may think about your options. You may file a lawsuit against the doctor or hospital that caused your injuries.
It is vital to seek legal assistance from an experienced military medical malpractice lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
This article will discuss what kind of medical malpractice in the military, a lawyer can help with.
1. Negligence
It is the most common type of military medical malpractice. It can happen when a doctor or any other health care provider makes a mistake that a reasonably careful provider would not have made. For example, if your doctor prescribes the wrong medication or performs surgery on the wrong body part, they may be guilty of negligence.
For example, if your doctor does not order the necessary tests or does not follow up with you after you have been seen in the emergency room, they may be guilty of negligence.
If you think you have been the victim of negligence, you should contact a military medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.
2. Failure To Diagnose
Diagnosis is the first step in getting appropriate treatment. It’s hard enough to get a diagnosis when you go to a civilian doctor, but it can be more difficult if you are in the military.
Military doctors are often overworked and understaffed, making mistakes in diagnosis. If you have been a victim of a misdiagnosis by a military doctor, you can file a medical malpractice claim.
A few examples of conditions that might be misdiagnosed include:
- Cancer
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Infections
- Pregnancy complications
An expert attorney will be able to review your case and help you determine if you have a claim. They can also guide you in filing a claim and ensure that your rights are protected.
3. Improper Treatment
When you are wrongly treated for an injury or illness, it can cause you much pain and suffering. If you were not given the proper medication for your condition, it could worsen your symptoms. You may also suffer from complications if not adequately monitored after surgery.
For example, if you underwent surgery to remove a tumor, but the surgeon left part of it behind, you would have to go through the surgery again. This time, you would be in even more pain because of the previous surgery. You might also suffer from an infection.
An expert lawyer can help you prove that the military was negligent in your care and that you deserve compensation for your injuries.
4. Prescription Errors
Sometimes, patients in the military are given the wrong medication or the wrong dosage of a needed medication. It can have serious consequences, including death. If you have been the victim of this medical malpractice, it is essential to speak with an experienced military medical malpractice lawyer.
A lawyer can help you investigate the prescription error’s circumstances and determine whether you have a claim. They can help you file a claim against the responsible party and pursue the compensation you deserve.
5. Surgical Mistakes
Surgical mistakes can include:
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Leaving a foreign object in the patient’s body
- Performing surgery on the wrong patient
- Damaging surrounding tissues or organs
- Administering the wrong type or amount of anesthesia
A medical malpractice lawyer can investigate whether the doctor or surgeon made a surgical mistake and, if so, whether they should be held liable.
6. Anesthesia Errors
A military lawyer can also help with anesthesia errors. A doctor or other medical professional incorrectly administers anesthesia, causing the patient to experience pain or suffering. In some severe cases, this can even lead to death.
This malpractice in the military can be challenging to prove, as the patient may not be able to remember what happened while they were under anesthesia. However, if there are witnesses or video footage of the incident, it may be possible to hold the responsible party accountable.
Conclusion
Lawyers are knowledgeable about the types of medical malpractice that occur in the military. They can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. If you or someone has been a victim of medical malpractice, contact a lawyer to schedule a consultation.