What Are the 5 Most Common Forms of Medical Malpractice in Louisiana?

The negligence of a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can have devastating consequences for patients. Victims may suffer permanent health complications, lose healthy limbs, and sustain cognitive or physical disabilities.

Medical malpractice in Louisiana takes many forms. Common examples include:

1. Late or misdiagnosis;

2. Surgical mistakes;

3. Birth injuries;

4. Medication mistakes;

5. And anesthesia errors.

If you were the victim of medical negligence in Louisiana, contact the The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. David A. Bowling is a New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer who can help you pursue the maximum compensation for health-care expenses, lost income, and noneconomic damages.

Mr. Bowling has more than 30 years of trial experience. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about medical malpractice in Louisiana by visiting USAttorneys.com.

Read on for a brief overview of five common examples of medical malpractice in Louisiana:

1. Late or Misdiagnosis

Many malpractice claims stem from incorrect or delayed diagnosis. These mistakes can prevent patients from getting life-saving treatments. Also, victims may suffer additional health problems if physicians attempt to treat the wrong condition.

Proving late or misdiagnosis is legally challenging. Your medical malpractice lawyer will have to show that a health-care professional with the same specialization would have provided an accurate diagnosis or would have diagnosed your condition quicker. This may require expert testimonies and an independent medical examination.

2. Surgical Mistakes

Surgical mistakes make up a large percentage of medical malpractice claims. Examples include:

Amputating healthy limbs;

Removing the wrong organ;

Operating on the wrong side of the patient;

And leaving surgical tools inside patients.

3. Birth Injuries

No trauma can match the devastation of a birth injury. Newborns can suffer lifelong complications due to a doctor or nurse’s mistake.

Common examples of birth injuries include nerve damage, bone fractures, and brain trauma. Medical malpractice during delivery can also affect the mother. If medical negligence contributed to your infant’s injury, then you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

4. Medication Mistakes

A small oversight from a pharmacist can have horrific consequences. According to ProPublica, at least 210,000 patients die annually because of preventable prescription mistakes. Examples include:

Giving a patient the wrong medication;

Confusing patient names;

And dispensing expired drugs.

5. Anesthesia Errors

Anesthetic is a powerful concoction of potentially toxic drugs. Administering too much anesthesia can be deadly, but providing too little can cause a patient to wake up mid-operation. Anesthesiologists must identify potential complications, ensure patients understand the risks, use the proper equipment, monitor vital signs, and administer correct dosages.

If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent health-care worker, contact the The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. David A. Bowling is a New Orleans wrongful death attorney who can help you navigate the claims process.

The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm is an AV-rated law Firm under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.