Doctors are sued for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, anesthesia errors, wrongful death, and breach of contract. But another reason doctors get sued is due to medical malpractice. If you are interested in how damages work in a medical malpractice case, you should consider reading an article from Oddee. Here, we will discuss four of the most common reasons doctors get sued.
Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
One of the most common reasons doctors get sued is for delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. This can happen when a doctor fails to properly diagnose a condition, leading to serious health complications or even death. In some cases, the doctor may not have been negligent, but the delay in diagnosis can still lead to a lawsuit. Many times, these cases are decided by a jury, and the number of damages will depend on the severity of the injury or illness.
In fact, a recent study by Johns Hopkins University found that diagnostic errors are the leading cause of malpractice claims in the United States.
Anesthesia Errors
The second reason for medical malpractice lawsuits is anesthesia errors. Anesthesiologists are responsible for ensuring that patients are properly sedated during surgery. If an anesthesiologist makes a mistake, it can lead to serious injuries or even death. Anesthesia errors can affect a patient’s breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. This can cause permanent brain damage or even death. Many cases like this have happened in the past, often resulting in large settlements.
Wrongful Death
The third reason doctors get sued is due to wrongful death. This can occur when a doctor’s negligence results in the death of a patient. In some cases, the doctor may not have been negligent, but the deceased’s family can still sue for damages. Often, these cases are decided by a jury, and the damage amount will depend on the severity of the injury or illness. Death is a very serious matter; it is important to speak with an attorney if you are ever faced with a lawsuit.
Breach of Contract
The fourth most common reason doctors get sued is for breach of contract. This can happen when a doctor fails to provide the care level agreed upon in the contract. For example, if a doctor agrees to provide weekly check-ups for a patient but only provides monthly check-ups, the patient may sue for breach of contract. A judge usually decides these cases, and the amount of damages will depend on the severity of the breach.
Oftentimes, the doctor will be required to pay the patient’s medical bills. While doctors are sued for a variety of reasons, the most common ones can be boiled down to four key points. By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can take steps to avoid them and reduce your chances of becoming embroiled in a lawsuit. Have you ever been involved in a lawsuit as a doctor? If so, what was the reason? Let us know in the comments below.