All medical professionals have a responsibility to treat patients with great care. If this responsibility is not met, it can be considered a breach of a provider's medical duty and could be the target of a medical malpractice case. But what constitutes medical malpractice and what are some of the more prevalent types?

3 Common Types of Medical Malpractice

1. Surgical Mistakes

Any error committed during a surgical procedure that results in harm to the patient could be deemed a surgical mistake. Errors of this kind are more common than one might think; some sources put the number as high as 4,000 every year. Examples of surgical mistakes include performing a procedure on the wrong body, using improperly sterilized equipment, or leaving surgical tools or sponges in the body.

2. Misdiagnosis

A misdiagnosis typically comes in one of two different forms. The first is an incorrect diagnosis resulting in prolonged suffering and pain. The second is a delayed diagnosis, in which a patient's true medical condition is not discovered until they have been through significant harm and distress. This could also come when the window for providing effective treatment has passed. In either case, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be warranted.

3. Errors in Prescribing or Administering Medications

You trust your doctors to give you the medications you need to stay healthy and comfortable. A prescription mistake could exacerbate a medical condition or introduce new health problems. An error in administering medication, such as being given a medicine different than the one prescribed, could be equally detrimental.

If you've been the victim of medical malpractice, depend on the personal injury law attorneys at Egan & Richgels, S.C., to give you the support and guidance you need. Based in La Crosse, WI, they serve clients throughout the western part of the state as well as southeastern Minnesota. Call (608) 784-0087 or visit their website to start getting the exceptional counsel your case demands.