What types of cases fall under the category of medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice cases are a type of civil lawsuit that arises when a healthcare provider, like a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to provide adequate medical care to a patient, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. In general, medical malpractice cases fall into the following categories:

1. Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose or misdiagnoses a medical condition, resulting in a patient receiving incorrect treatment or no treatment at all.
2. Surgical errors: This includes cases where a surgical procedure was performed improperly or where the patient was not properly prepared for surgery, resulting in injury or harm to the patient.
3. Medication errors: This includes cases where a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage, resulting in injury or harm to the patient.
4. Birth injuries: This occurs when a healthcare provider's negligence results in injury or harm to the baby or mother during childbirth.
5. Hospital-acquired infections: This includes cases where a patient contracts an infection while in the hospital due to the hospital's failure to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
6. Failure to obtain informed consent: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to obtain a patient's informed consent before performing a medical procedure, resulting in harm or injury to the patient.

It's important to note that not all negative outcomes in medical treatment will result in medical malpractice liability. In order for a medical malpractice case to be successful, the plaintiff must prove that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care owed to the patient, which caused the patient's injury or harm. The standard of care is what a reasonable healthcare provider with similar training and experience would have done in the same or similar circumstances. Additionally, there are certain limitations and exceptions to medical malpractice cases, such as the statute of limitations, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the case is filed.

If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.