Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Maryland

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. In Maryland, various types of medical malpractice can severely impact patients' lives. Understanding these common types can empower individuals to recognize when negligence occurs and take appropriate action.

1. Surgical Errors
One of the most alarming forms of medical malpractice involves surgical errors. These can include performing surgeries on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside patients, or causing unintentional damage to surrounding organs. Surgical errors can lead to severe complications and often require additional surgeries to correct the mistakes.

2. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is another prevalent type of malpractice in Maryland. When a doctor fails to correctly identify a medical condition, it can lead to improper treatment and worsening health issues. For example, a misdiagnosed cancer can result in delayed treatment, significantly reducing the chances of survival.

3. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur when medical negligence affects the delivery of a baby. Conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and other injuries can arise from improper monitoring during labor and delivery, improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction, or failure to recognize signs of distress in the infant. These injuries can have lifelong implications for both the child and the family.

4. Medication Errors
Medication errors commonly result from negligence in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications. In Maryland, these errors can occur if a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication, fails to consider a patient’s allergies or interactions, or administers the incorrect dosage. Such mistakes can have serious consequences, including severe allergic reactions or hospitalization.

5. Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors involve insufficient monitoring or improper administration of anesthesia during medical procedures. These errors can lead to serious complications, including brain damage or even death. Proper training and attention to detail are crucial in preventing such tragic outcomes.

6. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
Healthcare providers must ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of a treatment before proceeding. Failure to obtain informed consent can lead to malpractice claims, especially if a patient undergoes a procedure they did not fully agree to or were not adequately informed about. This lack of communication and understanding can significantly affect a patient's trust and health outcomes.

7. Nursing Negligence
Nurses play a critical role in patient care, and negligence in this field can lead to adverse outcomes. Common examples include failure to monitor patients correctly, inadequate patient education, or not communicating critical information to the medical team. These oversights can cause further health complications and diminish overall patient safety.

Understanding these common types of medical malpractice can help Maryland residents identify potential negligence in their healthcare experiences. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, seeking legal counsel is crucial to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.