When you put your health in a doctor's hands, you expect proper care and treatment. Medical professionals can make mistakes like anyone else, but patients suffer serious harm when those mistakes rise to the level of negligence. Medical malpractice takes many forms, but some types of errors are prevalent in Maryland malpractice claims.

The experienced Maryland medical malpractice attorneys at Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum have helped countless victims get justice and fair compensation after healthcare professionals violated the standard of care. We've seen the devastating impact of medical negligence firsthand, so we want you to understand the common risks. Here are the three most frequent types of medical malpractice we encounter and how a lawyer can help.

The Most Common Medical Malpractice Errors in Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Maryland

While medical malpractice encompasses a wide range of negligent acts, three types of errors consistently rank as the most frequent reasons for malpractice claims:

  1. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

  2. Surgical mistakes

  3. Medication errors

Let's take a closer look at these common forms of medical negligence.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Johns Hopkins researchers estimate that diagnostic errors affect 12 million Americans annually, making them the number one most common type of medical mistake. When a doctor fails to properly identify a patient's condition in a timely manner, the consequences can be devastating:

  • Patients miss out on critical treatments during the early stages of a disease

  • Doctors prescribe the wrong medications or perform unnecessary procedures

  • Incorrect information leads to improper medical advice and poor outcomes

Cancer, heart attack, and stroke are frequently misdiagnosed conditions with life-altering results. A Maryland medical malpractice lawyer can help determine if a doctor's actions constituted negligence.

Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes are another leading cause of malpractice claims. These errors take various forms:

  • Operating on the wrong body part or the wrong patient entirely

  • Puncturing or perforating nearby organs and tissues

  • Leaving instruments inside the body cavity

  • Failing to monitor vital signs during procedures

While some surgical complications are unavoidable, many happen because of poor planning, miscommunication, inadequate training, or fatigue. Patients pay the price when surgeons and surgical staff fail to follow proper safety protocols.

Medication Errors

Medication mistakes round out the top three most common forms of medical negligence. These errors happen at every stage of the medication use process:

  • Doctors prescribe the wrong drug or incorrect dosage

  • Pharmacists improperly fill prescriptions

  • Nurses administer medications incorrectly

  • Healthcare staff fail to check for dangerous drug interactions

The U.S. Institute of Medicine estimates that preventable medication errors injure 1.5 million Americans every year. From prescribing to administering to monitoring, there are multiple points where negligence leads to serious harm.

Other Common Medical Mistakes

Beyond the top three, several other types of medical errors frequently lead to malpractice claims in Maryland. These include:

Birth Injuries

Preventable birth injuries often stem from improper prenatal care or negligent actions during labor and delivery. Common examples include failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of forceps or vacuum, and delayed C-sections.

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia mistakes can occur before, during, or after procedures. Administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor a patient's response, and improper intubation techniques can all lead to serious complications.

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Doctors must provide patients with enough information to make educated decisions about their care. Failing to fully explain risks, benefits, and alternatives before starting treatment or performing procedures violates the duty of informed consent.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Infections contracted during hospital stays often result from poor hygiene practices, such as failure to sterilize equipment or wash hands. These preventable infections can cause organ damage, sepsis, and even death.

Negligent Post-Operative Care

Inadequate monitoring and care after surgery frequently lead to dangerous complications. Failure to recognize signs of infection, provide proper wound care, or advise patients about recovery can constitute post-operative negligence.

Laboratory Errors

Errors in lab testing, such as specimen mix-ups, contaminated samples, or inaccurate interpretation of results, can have serious downstream effects on diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Failure to Refer or Consult

Primary care providers must recognize when a patient's condition requires specialized expertise. Failing to refer to appropriate specialists or consult with other providers can delay crucial care.

How a Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help

If you suspect medical malpractice caused you harm, you’ll need a seasoned advocate to help you pursue justice. An experienced Maryland medical malpractice lawyer can explain your rights, calculate your damages, and file a claim on your behalf. 

The skilled Maryland medical malpractice lawyers at Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum understand the medical and legal aspects of proving negligence. Our dedicated attorneys will thoroughly investigate your claim, gather evidence, consult with expert witnesses, and advocate for your right to full compensation. We hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and work to prevent similar mistakes in the future.