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Professional Negligence: How Can Doctors Prevent MedMal

Updated: Sep 22, 2023

Professional negligence in the medical field can include a variety of actions or failures to act, such as misdiagnosis, medication errors, surgical errors, and failure to obtain informed consent. A healthcare provider's professional negligence that causes injury to a patient is referred to as medical malpractice. It can occur when a doctor fails to give the standard of care that a reasonably prudent doctor would have provided in similar circumstances. Doctors must carry medical malpractice insurance to protect themselves financially in case of a lawsuit.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Examples

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: A patient may file a lawsuit if a doctor fails to diagnose or misdiagnoses a medical condition, leading to a worsened outcome.

  • Surgical errors: If a doctor operates on the incorrect bodily portion, leaves a foreign object inside the patient's body, or causes other surgical errors.

  • Birth injuries: A lawsuit may be filed if a doctor fails to diagnose and treat conditions such as preeclampsia, fetal distress, or umbilical cord problems, resulting in injury to the baby during birth.

  • Medication errors: A patient may file a medical malpractice lawsuit if a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or dosage.

  • Anesthesia errors: If a patient experiences an adverse reaction or injury from anesthesia during a surgical procedure, they may file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

SelectFirst Insurance Professional Negligence Medmal Insurance

These are just a few examples, and every case is unique. It's important to note that not every adverse outcome in healthcare results from medical malpractice. To establish a medical malpractice case, there must be evidence of a breach of the standard of care and causation of harm. Medical Malpractice Prevention For Doctors

  • Staying current with medical knowledge and advancements in their field

  • Obtaining informed consent from patients before starting a treatment

  • Maintaining accurate and complete medical records

  • Communicating effectively with patients and other healthcare providers

  • Following established standards of care

  • Recognizing and managing potential conflicts of interest

  • Seeking consultation and referral when needed

  • Taking steps to avoid burnout and maintain physical and emotional well-being


Contact SelectFirst Insurance today for help with your Medmal insurance. Call (888) 966-3881or Email us at info@selectfirstinsurance.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. The blog's content is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. By accessing this blog, you acknowledge and accept these terms of use and any additional terms and conditions that may appear on this blog from time to time.

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Contact SelectFirst Insurance today for help with your Medmal insurance. Call (888) 966-3881or Email us at info@selectfirstinsurance.com.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. The blog's content is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. By accessing this blog, you acknowledge and accept these terms of use and any additional terms and conditions that may appear on this blog from time to time.

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