Common medical mistakes

Florida residents might be surprised to learn that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America. Understanding how common types of mistakes occur could help people protect their health.

When one has a health condition or undergoes surgery, different devices like ventilators or catheters might be used. While helpful, this also puts a patient at risk for health care-associated infections. Catheters can cause urinary tract infections while tubes attached to ventilators are susceptible to bacteria. HAIs typically occur when a device is not used correctly or monitored.

Many people and steps could be involved when handling, prescribing and administering medication. This leaves the door open for many types of mistakes. Common errors happen when a patient is given the wrong drug or not given a medication for the proper amount of time. Mistakes can also occur when medication is not labeled correctly or when medications look similar or have similar names.

When surgeons have incorrect information or are not prepared, a surgical error could occur. This could include operating on the wrong part of the body or the wrong patient. All the tools used should be properly cleaned, and the patient should be given the right dosages for a procedure. Birth errors are unfortunately common. When delivering a baby incorrectly, fractures, facial paralysis and brachial palsy injuries could occur. Oxygen deprivation is also a concern during childbirth, and appropriate supervision is required for newborns.

When people are harmed due to the negligence of a health care practitioner or facility, they might require extensive additional treatment for their worsened medical condition. They might want to meet with a medical malpractice attorney to discuss their situation.