Medical negligence constitutes the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. Estimates show that up to 98,000 hospital deaths each year can be blamed on medical negligence.
For the families who suffer from these unthinkable mistakes, their only recourse is a capable Washington DC wrongful death lawyer who can advocate on their behalf for reparations.
Though there are many causes of wrongful deaths, the following situations constitute some of the most common incidences of fatal neglect in American hospitals.
Incorrect Medication
Nearly every kind of medical care or treatment involves the dispensing of drugs, which is why administering or prescribing incorrect medication ranks so high on the list of common causes of wrongful death.
Wrongful death due to incorrect medication is especially painful for the family and friends of the deceased. While the possibility of death may shadow a major procedure such as invasive surgery or chemotherapy, no one expects that a loved one will pass away due to being prescribed incorrect medication.
Surgical Errors
Invasive surgery requires not only the skilled hands of a surgeon, but also many instruments that are vital to the success of these procedures. During any given surgery, the team of physicians and nurses can use dozens of needles, sponges, clamps, and blades to accomplish their goals.
Yet due to distraction or simple miscalculation, these same instruments can be left inside the patient once the surgery is completed. In some cases, these surgical instruments can lead to infections and internal trauma that can result in death if not removed in a timely fashion.
Misdiagnosis
Given the number of patients a physician may see in a day, it’s no surprise that thousands of hospital patients are misdiagnosed every year.
In many cases, a misdiagnosis allows their disease to progress to a point where it overtakes any chance of recovery. Misdiagnosis may also lead to incorrect medication being prescribed, which can also result in the death of a loved one.
Talk to An Expert Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your family has been touched by a wrongful death incident, The Rich Firm is available to help. Our Washington DC, Washington DC area office provides legal counsel for all wrongful death cases.
To learn more about our services, or to speak with one of our wrongful death lawyers, please call (202) 529-9379.
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