What Are the 4 Most Common Preventable Injuries and Illnesses in Hospitals?

Posted: Feb 10, 2017 12:43 PM

When it comes to healthcare, there is no foolproof way for patients to protect themselves from malpractice. Even the most experienced doctors at the most up-to-date facilities in the country commit medical negligence.

 

In fact, medical malpractice is so prevalent that it is partially responsible for the high cost of healthcare. Forbes reports on a study that found medical malpractice costs the United States $55.6 billion annually, and $45.6 billion of that goes toward defensive care that physicians provide in an attempt to prevent claims.

 

There are countless ways to make errors when practicing medicine, but some mistakes are more common than others. If you think you or a loved one has been the victim of a medical error, a wrongful death attorney can help.

 

At the Law Office of Randolph C. Wood, PLLC, you will find a Jackson medical malpractice lawyer who will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 601-709-3584 to schedule a consultation.

 

Read on to learn about the most common preventable injuries and illnesses in hospitals:

 

  1. Misdiagnoses

 

According to The Wall Street Journal, misdiagnoses are the leading cause of malpractice claims; they accounted for 35 percent of all payouts between 1986 and 2010. Luckily, diagnostic mistakes are also the easiest medical errors to prevent. Patients can reduce their risk by taking a proactive approach to their care and by seeking multiple opinions.

 

  1. Medication Mistakes

 

The Institute of Medicine reports that medication errors hurt approximately 1.5 million people annually. Medication errors include administering the wrong drug, the wrong dosage, or the wrong combination of drugs.

 

  1. Healthcare-Associated Infections (“HAI”)

 

Even after a patient undergoes invasive surgery that requires a long recovery, the healthcare team will do everything in their power to discharge that patient as soon as possible. Hospitals are teeming with bacteria, and vulnerable populations have a high risk of contracting an infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on any given day, roughly 1 in 25 hospital patients has at least one HAI.

 

  1. Falls

 

Older patients are especially vulnerable to suffering serious injuries in a fall, and hospital staff should be doing everything possible to prevent such accidents. Medical malpractice includes falls because they can occur as a result of negligence.

 

For example, dizziness is a side effect of some drugs, and it can make patients more prone to falling. If a patient has bouts of dizziness, the hospital staff should be taking the necessary precautions to ensure their charge’s safety. Proving that a fall was the direct result of negligence may be challenging, but a medical malpractice lawyer can help.

 

If you need a wrongful death attorney in Jackson, turn to the Law Office of Randolph C. Wood, PLLC. Mr. Wood will handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

 

Call 601-709-3584 to schedule a consultation.