As a patient, you should be able to trust your doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. It may be difficult to believe, but medical errors are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins, more than 250,000 people in the United States die every year because of medical mistakes, making it the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. Other studies report much higher figures, claiming the number of deaths from medical error to be as high as 440,000. The reason for the discrepancy is that physicians, funeral directors, coroners and medical examiners rarely note on death certificates the human errors and system failures involved. 

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects many individuals in South Carolina. When healthcare providers fail to deliver the appropriate standard of care, patients can suffer life-altering consequences, including physical, emotional, and financial harm. If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical negligence, it's important to understand the most common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits and how a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.

At Hopkins Law Firm, with offices in Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island, we have extensive experience handling medical malpractice claims. Below, we'll explore the most common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits in South Carolina and how an experienced attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation.

1. Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are among the most common and severe causes of medical malpractice lawsuits in South Carolina. These errors can include:

• Wrong-site surgery: Performing surgery on the wrong part of the body.
• Surgical instruments left inside the patient: Tools or sponges being left behind after surgery.
• Anesthesia errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia, leading to complications.
• Improper technique or negligence: Using outdated methods or making avoidable mistakes during the procedure.

Surgical errors can lead to significant complications, including infection, prolonged recovery times, and even death. If you believe a surgical error has occurred, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options.

2. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences for a patient. In South Carolina, healthcare providers are expected to diagnose conditions accurately and promptly. Common examples of misdiagnosis include:

• Failure to diagnose cancer: If a doctor misses a diagnosis of cancer, it can delay treatment, allowing the disease to progress and reduce the chances of successful treatment.
• Misdiagnosis of heart attack or stroke: Failure to identify symptoms of a heart attack or stroke in a timely manner can lead to irreversible damage or death.
• Inaccurate diagnosis of infections or other serious conditions: Infections that go undiagnosed can worsen and spread, causing significant harm.

If a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition or delays diagnosis, it can significantly impact the outcome of the patient's treatment. Consulting with a medical malpractice attorney in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, or Pawleys Island can help you assess whether you have a case.

3. Medication Errors

Medication errors are another leading cause of medical malpractice lawsuits in South Carolina. These errors can include:

• Prescription mistakes: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage.
• Failure to check for drug interactions: Healthcare providers must review a patient's medical history and current medications to avoid dangerous drug interactions.
• Administering the wrong medication: Mistakes can occur in hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmacies when patients receive the wrong medication.

Medication errors can result in serious side effects, allergic reactions, or even death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medication error, it's essential to speak with a personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim.

4. Childbirth and Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are a tragic consequence of medical malpractice during labor and delivery. These errors can have lasting effects on both the child and the mother. Common causes of birth injuries in South Carolina include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress: If the doctor or nurse fails to notice signs of fetal distress, such as a drop in heart rate, it can lead to brain damage or other complications.
• Improper use of delivery instruments: Errors involving forceps, vacuum extraction, or other delivery tools can lead to physical injury to the baby or mother.
• Failure to perform a timely C-section: When a C-section is necessary to ensure the safety of the mother and child, failure to perform it in a timely manner can result in serious injuries or even death.

Birth injuries can lead to lifelong challenges for both the child and the family. If your child suffered an injury during childbirth due to medical negligence, an experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

5. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Before any medical procedure, healthcare providers are required to inform the patient about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment. This is known as “informed consent.” If a doctor fails to properly explain the risks of a procedure or treatment, and the patient is injured as a result, it could be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Failure to obtain informed consent can occur in a variety of settings, including surgeries, clinical trials, or even when prescribing certain medications. Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and if this process is neglected, the healthcare provider may be liable for any harm caused.

6. Negligence in Nursing Care

Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and negligence on their part can lead to serious harm. Common examples of nursing errors include:

• Failure to monitor vital signs: Nurses are often responsible for tracking a patient's vitals. If they neglect to do so, a patient's condition can worsen without intervention.
• Improper patient handling: Mistakes in assisting with patient mobility or administering medications can result in injuries.
• Failure to follow doctor's orders: Nurses must follow the instructions provided by physicians regarding medication, treatment, and patient care. Failure to do so can result in serious complications.

Nursing errors can lead to severe health consequences and may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit in South Carolina.

Protecting Your Rights After Medical Malpractice

If you've been harmed due to medical malpractice in South Carolina, it's essential to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical negligence cases. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and build a strong case to pursue compensation for your injuries.

At Hopkins Law Firm, we have offices in Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island, and we are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice seek justice. Whether you've suffered due to surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or any other form of medical negligence, we are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Hopkins Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical malpractice in South Carolina, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact Hopkins Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to help you pursue justice and compensation.