Medical malpractice is a critical public health issue in the United States, and Maryland is no exception. Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional neglects to meet the standard of reasonable care, endangering a patient’s health or life.

While the causes can vary from case to case, some common patterns are frequently observed in the state. We invite you to delve deeper into this topic in the following paragraphs.

Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in Maryland

According to state health specialists, the most common causes of medical malpractice are:

• Diagnostic errors: A wrong or delayed diagnosis can have devastating consequences for a patient’s health. This can occur due to a misinterpretation of medical tests, a failure to pay attention to the patient’s symptoms, or simple negligence.

• Surgical errors: Surgical errors are a frequent cause of medical malpractice lawsuits. These can include the removal of a healthy organ, the injury of a nerve, or performing surgery on the wrong patient.

• Medication errors: Administering the wrong medications, in incorrect doses, or through the wrong route can cause serious injuries, even death.

• Lack of follow-up: Once a patient has been discharged, the doctor must follow up appropriately to ensure they are recovering correctly and no complications have arisen. Lack of follow-up can lead to preventable complications.

• Hospital-acquired infections: Infections acquired in the hospital can be fatal, especially for immunocompromised patients. These infections are often caused by inadequate hygiene practices or contaminated medical equipment.

Contributing Factors

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of medical malpractice, including:

• Overwork: Doctors and nursing staff are often overwhelmed with tasks, which can lead to errors.

• Lack of communication: Poor communication among medical team members can lead to diagnostic and treatment errors.

• Pressure to reduce costs: In some healthcare institutions, cost-cutting can reduce spending, staff, and equipment, which can affect the quality of care.

In summary, medical malpractice is a serious problem that affects thousands of people in Maryland each year. It is necessary to pay attention to any strange symptoms after a medical recovery or a visit to a health specialist to be able to take action legally and regarding your well-being.

Therefore, if you believe you have been a victim of this crime within the state, do not hesitate to contact us to evaluate our legal options for your case.