Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, prolonged suffering, and even loss of life. While healthcare providers are expected to uphold high standards of care, medical errors occur more frequently than many realize. Recognizing the signs of medical malpractice is critical for protecting patient rights and seeking justice.

This guide outlines the key indicators of medical negligence and the necessary steps for those who suspect they or a loved one have been affected.

Understanding Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. Not all adverse medical outcomes constitute malpractice, but certain warning signs may indicate negligence.

Common Signs of Medical Malpractice

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

A timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to unnecessary suffering and worsening medical conditions.

Red Flags:

A condition remains undiagnosed despite persistent symptoms.

A patient receives multiple conflicting diagnoses.

A serious illness, such as cancer, is diagnosed at a late stage when earlier detection was possible.

Medication Errors

Errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication can cause severe harm, particularly for patients with allergies or complex medical conditions.

Red Flags:

A patient receives the wrong medication or incorrect dosage.

Harmful drug interactions occur due to a lack of proper review.

Medications are administered to the wrong patient in a hospital or clinical setting.

Surgical Mistakes

While all surgeries involve risks, preventable errors during procedures can have catastrophic consequences.

Red Flags:

Wrong-site surgery or the incorrect procedure being performed.

Surgical instruments or sponges left inside the body.

Post-surgical complications due to improper technique or infection control.

Anesthesia Errors

Mistakes in administering anesthesia can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or even fatal outcomes.

Red Flags:

Failure to review a patient’s medical history before anesthesia administration.

Incorrect dosage leading to anesthesia awareness or over-sedation.

Severe allergic reactions that could have been prevented.

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Patients have the right to understand the risks and benefits of a procedure before undergoing treatment. When healthcare providers fail to obtain informed consent, it can constitute malpractice.

Red Flags:

A procedure is performed without full disclosure of risks.

A patient undergoes treatment they did not agree to.

Side effects or complications were not adequately explained.

Birth Injuries

Negligence during childbirth can result in life-altering injuries for both the mother and baby.

Red Flags:

Delayed C-section despite signs of fetal distress.

Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction.

Oxygen deprivation leading to conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Lack of Follow-Up or Aftercare

Negligence does not always occur during treatment—it can also happen when doctors fail to provide adequate follow-up care.

Red Flags:

A doctor dismisses ongoing symptoms or concerns after treatment.

Post-operative infections or complications are ignored.

No clear instructions are given for recovery or medication management.

What to Do If Medical Malpractice Is Suspected

Recognizing these warning signs is the first step, but knowing how to take action is just as critical.

Seek a Second Medical Opinion

Consulting another healthcare provider can help confirm whether an error has occurred and ensure proper treatment moving forward.

Request Medical Records

Patients have the legal right to obtain their medical records, which can serve as vital evidence in a malpractice case.

Document Symptoms and Conversations

Keeping a detailed record of symptoms, treatment, and interactions with healthcare providers can strengthen a claim.

Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Medical malpractice cases require extensive legal and medical expertise. Consulting an experienced attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation.

Recognizing medical malpractice can be difficult, but legal support is available for those affected. Frischman & Rizza specializes in representing victims of medical negligence, ensuring that patients receive the justice they deserve.

For a free consultation, contact Frischman & Rizza in Pittsburgh, PA, at 412-274-0134 today. Taking action now can make all the difference in holding negligent medical professionals accountable.