A new documentary called “To Err Is Human” has caught our eye, especially because it focuses on medical errors that happen in the state of Pennsylvania.
The documentary follows a family that suffered numerous hospital errors, including a missed cancer diagnosis that leads to a death in the family. The same family also suffered from a missed jaundice diagnosis that led to a lifelong disability.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals in the documentary argued that hospitals must improve the treatment process to “avoid miscommunication, errors and oversight.”
This documentary has us wondering – do you know what to do if you have been harmed by a medical professional?
If you need a Philadelphia hospital negligence attorney, contact The Weitz Firm, LLC today. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What Happens?
The documentary we mentioned says that, in 2017, there were 302,000 medical errors and hospital-acquired infections according to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority. They say that these mistakes include misreading scans, giving medication to a patient with a known allergy, patient falls, and surgical complications.
We know that medical mistakes plague this country. In fact, they are now the third leading cause of death in the US, killing more than 250,000 people annually. Some estimates put the death toll closer to 450,000.
What are the problems?
- Diagnostic errors cause the most patient harm of all medical mistakes according to Johns Hopkins researchers. A misdiagnosis can happen due to hospital staff, particularly in the ER, being busy or overworked.
- Errors concerning patient medication are particularly disturbing, especially because the order for medications goes through three people: the doctor who orders it, the pharmacist who fills it, and the nurse who gives it. It has been found that most errors happen while medications are being given, whether because of distractions or miscommunication.
- Surgical mistakes are scary. Whether it is one of the dreaded “never events” that occur (operation on the wrong body part, the wrong person, leaving instruments inside of a patient) or a more “minor” error, these have the potential to cause major patient harm.
- According to the CDC, one out of every 25 people in the hospital gets an infection while there. Most of these infections happen because medical staff does not follow proper infection protocols (checking high-risk sites regularly, washing appropriately between patients).
What Are Your Options?
These are just some of the errors that can happen in hospitals.
If you or a loved one have been harmed in the hospital due to a healthcare professional’s negligence, you need to seek legal assistance. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, we know how devastating medical mistakes can be and we want to make sure you are able to afford all of the costs associated with the mistakes. This can include:
- Medical expenses (short and long-term)
- Lost income if you have to miss work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages
When you need a hospital negligence attorney in Philadelphia, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.
