When medical providers fail to deliver proper care, the consequences can be devastating. If you suspect malpractice, Maier Gutierrez & Associates is here to help. Our firm has the knowledge and resources to handle these complex cases. A medical malpractice lawyer from our Reno team will review your treatment history and fight for fair compensation if negligence is found. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or failure to treat, we’re ready to hold healthcare providers accountable. Call 775-406-8981 for a free consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer who will put your needs first.
Common Types of Medical Errors That Lead to Lawsuits
Medical errors happen more often than many people realize. While most doctors and healthcare professionals work hard to provide quality care, mistakes can still occur. When those errors result in harm to a patient, a lawsuit may follow. Understanding the types of mistakes that commonly lead to legal action can help patients and families recognize when something has gone wrong.
Why Some Medical Errors Lead to Lawsuits
Not every poor outcome is caused by negligence. Medicine is complex, and even with the best care, results aren’t always perfect. However, when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected in their field—and someone is seriously injured as a result—a medical malpractice claim may be justified. These claims often arise when patients feel they were left in the dark, not listened to, or harmed in preventable ways.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most frequent causes of medical malpractice claims is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to correctly identify a condition—or takes too long to do so—the patient might miss the window for effective treatment. This is especially critical with conditions like cancer, infections, or heart attacks. A delay can mean the difference between recovery and serious complications or death.
For a lawsuit to succeed, it must be shown that a reasonably competent doctor would have made the correct diagnosis under the same circumstances. This often involves reviewing medical records, expert testimony, and the patient’s symptoms at the time of the missed diagnosis.
Surgical Errors and Procedures Gone Wrong
Mistakes made in the operating room can be devastating. Some of the most well-known surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, performing the wrong procedure, or leaving surgical tools inside the patient. These types of mistakes are considered “never events,” meaning they should never happen in a well-run hospital.
Even less dramatic mistakes—like nerve damage during surgery or infections from poor hygiene—can be grounds for a claim if they stem from negligence. Patients who experience unexpected pain, complications, or prolonged recovery times should ask questions and consider a legal review if something seems off.
Medication and Prescription Mistakes
Prescription errors are another common source of injury. A doctor may prescribe the wrong medication or the wrong dosage. A nurse might give the medication to the wrong patient. A pharmacist could misread a prescription. These errors can lead to serious health problems, allergic reactions, or even death.
Hospitals and clinics are expected to have systems in place to avoid these issues. When that system breaks down and someone is hurt, there may be a valid basis for a malpractice claim.
Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia carries risks, but trained professionals take many steps to minimize them. Mistakes in this area, though rare, can be life-threatening. Giving too much anesthesia can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage. Too little can cause a patient to wake up during surgery. Failing to properly monitor vital signs during a procedure can also result in serious harm.
Because anesthesia is such a delicate process, even small errors can have large consequences. These cases are complex, but they can succeed when clear negligence is proven.
Birth Injuries Caused by Negligence
The labor and delivery process is one of the most sensitive times for both mother and baby. Medical professionals are expected to closely monitor the situation and act quickly if problems arise. Delayed responses to signs of fetal distress, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or failure to order a timely C-section can all result in injuries.
Birth injuries like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage often lead to lawsuits. These injuries may affect the child for life and require long-term care, so holding negligent providers accountable is especially important.
Failure to Inform or Obtain Consent
Doctors have a legal and ethical duty to inform patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any proposed treatment. This is called informed consent. When a patient undergoes a procedure without fully understanding the risks involved—or without agreeing to it at all—it may form the basis of a claim.
For example, if a doctor performs an additional procedure during surgery without permission, or if a known risk wasn’t disclosed and that risk becomes a reality, legal action might follow.
Neglect in Hospitals and Care Facilities
Sometimes, it’s not one specific doctor, but the broader healthcare facility that’s at fault. Hospitals are expected to maintain a safe environment, hire qualified staff, and ensure adequate supervision. If an understaffed hospital leads to neglect, or if poor sanitation causes a hospital-acquired infection, the facility itself may be liable.
This is especially relevant in cases involving elderly patients or those with limited mobility, where failure to reposition the patient, monitor for bedsores, or ensure proper nutrition can result in harm.
The Importance of Documentation and Expert Review
Medical malpractice claims rely heavily on evidence. Medical records, diagnostic reports, prescription histories, and surgical notes all play a key role in establishing what happened. Often, attorneys work with independent medical experts to review the facts and provide opinions on whether the standard of care was breached.
If you suspect a medical error has harmed you or a loved one, gathering as much information as possible early on is critical. This includes keeping copies of records, noting conversations with providers, and paying attention to any unusual changes in condition.
Taking the First Step After a Suspected Error
No one wants to imagine that a trusted medical professional could cause harm. But if you believe a preventable mistake was made, it’s worth exploring your options. Start by talking with a qualified medical malpractice attorney. They can help assess the strength of your case, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for the compensation you may need for recovery.
Medical malpractice cases are rarely simple. But with the right support, injured patients and their families can seek accountability and closure. In Nevada, where healthcare standards are governed by specific laws and deadlines, acting quickly can make a difference.
Let a Reno Medical Malpractice Attorney Pursue the Justice You Deserve
When medical care goes wrong, it can affect your health, finances, and peace of mind. If you’ve been the victim of negligence by a healthcare provider, Maier Gutierrez & Associates is ready to help. A medical malpractice attorney from our Reno office will review your case and determine if you have grounds for a claim. We know how to take on hospitals, doctors, and insurers to hold them accountable. Don’t suffer in silence. Call 775-406-8981 today for a free consultation with a medical malpractice attorney who will fight for your recovery.