Is Improper Treatment a Form of Medical Malpractice?

Improper treatment is a form of medical malpractice. It differs from other common examples of malpractice, such as failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis. With improper treatment, the doctor diagnoses the condition correctly but fails to undertake the proper treatment.

Because most patients lack the extensive medical training that physicians have, they accept the diagnosis and treatment protocol their doctor provides. If this treatment plan is not correct, it can cause serious consequences, including medical complications and death.

When a doctor prescribes the wrong treatment, the underlying condition often does not get addressed. If the patient has cancer or another chronic ailment, the condition can get worse, perhaps to the point that it becomes untreatable. Improper treatment can also result in dangerous drug side effects or contraindications with other medications.

Patients suffer millions of dollars in damages each year due to improper treatment. If you believe you might be a victim of this form of medical malpractice, speak with an attorney from Newsome | Melton right away. Call 1-855-MED-ASKS to set up a free consultation.

Is Delaying Treatment a Form of Malpractice?

A common type of improper treatment involves not undertaking it promptly. With many medical conditions, the speed with which a doctor administers treatment can make as big a difference as the treatment itself. When a doctor fails to administer treatment quickly enough and the patient’s condition gets worse—or fails to respond to treatment—the doctor has exhibited medical negligence and could be liable for malpractice.

What If My Doctor Rushed My Treatment?

Just as delaying treatment can cause harm, so can rushing it without properly preparing the patient. Many surgeries require the patient to follow extensive protocols beforehand to make sure the procedure is safe and successful. If the doctor rushes the patient into surgery without following these protocols, or if the physician does not inform the patient of this protocol, the doctor could be liable for any adverse effects that occur.

What If I Received the Wrong Dosage of Medication?

Prescription medications are an essential part of the recovery process for many medical conditions. Even when a drug cannot cure a condition, it can often relieve unbearable symptoms. That said, getting the dosage right is vital. If the doctor prescribes too little of the drug, the condition does not get treated, and might even worsen. If a patient receives too much of a drug, they might experience adverse and even dangerous side effects. In extreme cases, patients have even died from receiving the wrong dosage.

Is Prescribing the Wrong Drug Improper Treatment?

Sometimes, doctors get more than the dosage wrong. They might prescribe the wrong medication altogether. This frequently occurs for no other reason than negligence. The doctor fails to devote the time to double-check a prescription before issuing it to the patient. Unfortunately, that one instance of negligence can become a life-or-death issue for the patient, particularly if they are relying on the correct drug to treat an aggressive condition. This dangerous medication error may constitute malpractice.

What If My Doctor Ignored a Drug Allergy?

Part of a doctor’s due diligence is being aware of every drug allergy a patient has and not administering those medications. Every year, patients get sick and even die because they took a drug to which they had an allergy. Again, this is usually a matter of negligence, a simple oversight involving the doctor not taking the time to double-check a patient’s allergy list before prescribing a drug.

Are There Other Ways a Doctor Could Have Failed to Administer Proper Treatment?

Depending on a patient’s medical history, they might require special steps before undergoing treatment. In some scenarios, the patient is responsible for remembering to take these steps or informing their doctor about their individual needs. But in other situations, such as prepping a patient for surgery, the doctor must be aware of every precautionary step before the procedure begins. Missing even one step could constitute negligence on the part of the doctor.

What Can I Do If I Received Improper Treatment?

If your doctor undertook improper treatment for your medical condition and you suffered adverse effects, you could be eligible for several types of damages. A medical malpractice attorney from Newsome | Melton can review your case and help you decide the best way forward. Our lawyers have helped many victims across America win the compensation they deserve. We can help you, as well.