Incidents of medical malpractice and negligence are highly sensationalized on the media when it happens, leading many individuals to worry that the same situations can happen to them. If you are concerned that you might fall victim to these events, this article aims to put your worries at ease.
Here, you can learn the facts surrounding the topic and be equipped with all the information you need to know. We will go over what constitutes medical negligence and malpractice, what you can to prevent them from happening to you, and what you should do in case they do.
What is medical negligence and malpractice?
Medical negligence and malpractice, while the two different terms are both potentially harmful and even fatal situations. They are errors committed by medical professionals and can range from misdiagnosis, mistreatment, improper aftercare, or any combination of the three.
Essentially, these are events wherein a doctor, nurse, hospital, or any other healthcare provider makes a mistake that causes injury to a patient under their care.
Some will make the distinction between negligence and malpractice based on the professional’s awareness of the error, whereas negligence is when they simply don’t know they committed the mistake, while malpractice is when they have prior knowledge of it.
In any case, these are events that can be extremely dangerous for everyone involved as it a) obviously hurts the patient and b) can greatly damage the reputation of the healthcare provider involved.
Should I be worried?
Within reason, yes—the possibility of being exposed to medical negligence or malpractice should be of concern to you. Even the most prestigious hospitals and reputable healthcare practices can be befallen by such events, and this is mostly due to the human element involved.
Simply put, human doctors are prone to make mistakes. There are tools and systems that are put into place and undergo constant improvement to reduce the likelihood of this happening, but the risk can never be fully eliminated in any realistic manner.
Do not be alarmed, however. The situation can be addressed by having a greater awareness of its possibility. In practical terms, only seek care from licensed medical professionals and make sure you communicate your concerns so that they can treat you better. Also, in the unfortunate event that it happens to you or a loved one, take action so that it doesn’t happen again in the future.
By doing these, our healthcare providers are held more accountable and to a higher standard, which is where the solution to this problem lies.
What should I do if I become victim to medical negligence or malpractice?
If you suspect you have been subjected to medical negligence or malpractice, seek medical assistance immediately. First, address the situation so that your condition does not worsen. Go to the hospital and receive the right treatment so that you can take the next crucial course of action.
That is, find legal representation. It is partly your responsibility to hold those who are responsible for your suffering accountable under the law. This is the best way to ensure that the problem is brought to light and given the attention it warrants.
Conclusion
Until healthcare can be administered to patients entirely through machines, there’s no practical way to completely prevent medical mistakes from occurring. The task of minimizing the risk will fall largely on healthcare professional’s shoulders, but the general public plays a key role as well.
In fact, it is because past instances of these mistakes have been so well-documented and publicized that they are far less likely to occur today.
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