When you visit a doctor or other health professional, you are placing trust in them to treat your condition and provide for your physical well-being. This trust is based on the understanding that your doctor is well-educated in the relevant area of medicine and will provide effective evidence-based care. When a healthcare provider fails to meet this legal and moral obligation, you have grounds for a medical malpractice case. Here are three of the most common reasons patients file suit against their doctors.

Reasons for a Medical Malpractice Case

1. Delayed Diagnosis

In many cases, addressing a medical condition early reduces the likelihood of the patient requiring drastic treatment and improves their chances for a positive outcome. If your doctor has failed to diagnose a condition due to ignoring symptoms or refusing to perform tests, or they have provided treatment for the wrong condition, then speak to a lawyer about your case.

2. Surgical Error

You may have heard stories about surgeons leaving tools inside a patient's incision after surgery, causing the need for further treatment. These cases qualify for medical malpractice suits, as do incidents where incorrect or unnecessary treatment is provided.

3. Prescription Errors

Even when your condition is correctly diagnosed, either your doctor or your pharmacist may provide the wrong prescription. At best, this means you aren't receiving the treatment you need; at worst, the medication you are given can be actively harmful. If you believe your doctor has wrongly prescribed a medication or your pharmacist has made an error, an attorney will help you determine whether enough harm has been done to merit legal action.

Don't just accept substandard medical treatment. The law exists to protect you and to help you recover from your doctor's negligence. If you believe you've experienced medical malpractice, speak to an attorney today.

Frederick S. Spencer P.A. in Mountain Home, AR, provides representation and legal advice in personal injury cases, including cases of medical malpractice. To contact his office, call 870-425-6984 or send a message online.