Brain Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice
A brain injury can be caused by various factors, such as a car accident, falling, being hit by a moving object, or a sports injury. Some brain injuries occur as a result of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is when a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, fails to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. Brain injuries can arise from a wide range of preventable errors in the healthcare industry. These injuries can range in severity. More severe brain injuries can have profound, long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive functions, emotions, and overall quality of life. If a medical professional fails to provide a reasonable standard of care and causes a patient to suffer a brain injury, they can be held liable in a medical malpractice claim. Below, we discuss more about brain injuries caused by medical malpractice.
Understanding Medical Malpractice
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals have a duty of care to their patients. They are required to provide treatment and care that meets the accepted standard of care. This means acting in a manner that another healthcare provider with the same credentials and skills would act under similar circumstances. When a medical professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, they may be found guilty of medical malpractice if their actions or inactions cause harm to a patient, such as a brain injury.
Medical Errors That Can Cause a Brain Injury
There are numerous preventable mistakes medical professionals make that can result in brain injuries. The following are some of these mistakes:
- Failure to diagnose conditions that affect the brain, such as strokes or infections like meningitis.
- Surgical errors, such as cutting into the wrong brain part or damaging healthy brain tissue.
- Medication errors, such as errors in prescribing, administering, or monitoring the medications.
- Failure to properly monitor a patient under anesthesia.
- Improper use of instruments.
- Failure to monitor a patient in an intensive care unit (ICU)
A brain injury resulting from medical malpractice can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual’s life. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may experience cognitive impairments, emotional and behavioral changes, and physical disabilities, such as weakness in limbs or paralysis. Brain injuries can also result in significant costs due to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and the need for long-term care, which can lead to financial strain.
Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice
Many types of brain injuries can arise due to medical malpractice. These injuries fall into two main categories:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These are caused by external factors such as a blow to the head or an object penetrating brain tissue. For example, a child may suffer a TBI if a doctor misuses forceps during delivery. Many TBIs involve heavy bleeding within the brain.
- Non-traumatic brain injuries: These are caused by internal factors such as an infection, tumor, or lack of oxygen.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to medical malpractice, contact our skilled Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at Carroll Law Firm for legal help.
