Also commonly referred to as medical negligence, medical malpractice occurs when a physician fails to properly treat a medical condition, resulting in a new or aggravating injury to the patient. Medical malpractice claims may arise when a physician acts in a manner that would be considered unacceptable when compared to how another physician with similar training might act.

Many people don’t realize that doctors aren’t the only medical professionals whom patients can sue for malpractice. In fact, most health care providers including chiropractors, therapists, nurses, psychologists and dentists are subject to such legal action.

By the same token, an unanticipated or unsuccessful result from medical treatment or surgery does not in itself mean that you can bring a malpractice case.

Common examples of medical malpractice claims include:

Failure to properly diagnose a disease or illness.
Failure to properly monitor patients.
Failure to properly treat the diagnosed disease.
Surgical errors including wrong-site surgery or anesthesia errors.
Failure to fully inform the patient of the risks of certain procedures and surgeries.
Misuse of prescription drugs.
Improper use of medical equipment or implants.

Of course, this is just a sampling of some of the more common examples of medical malpractice claims. The array of complications and problems that can arise as a result of medical malpractice are far too complex and detailed to address each instance in detail.

If you think you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s in your best interest to contact an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice cases as quickly as possible. In Texas and many other states, victims have up to two years following discovery of an injury to file a claim. If you wait too long before speaking to an attorney, the statute of limitations may keep you from pursuing legal action.

On your initial visit, your attorney will review your claims, along with your medical records and consult with a medical expert to determine if yours is a case of medical malpractice.

Victims of medical malpractice can sue for the injuries incurred and all direct consequences of those injuries including mental and physical pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, or other economic damages.