Doctors and healthcare professionals are responsible for providing safe and effective medical care. When we seek treatment, we trust that they will diagnose conditions correctly, prescribe the right medications, and perform procedures with precision. Unfortunately, medical mistakes happen far too often—sometimes with devastating consequences.

A Johns Hopkins study found that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, contributing to more than 250,000 deaths each year. From misdiagnosing a life-threatening illness to surgical errors that leave patients permanently injured, these mistakes can alter lives forever.

When a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff fails to meet the standard of care, it may be considered medical malpractice. For those affected, the consequences can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, you have legal options. Understanding the most common medical errors and knowing your rights is the first step toward seeking justice.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice refers to a situation where a healthcare professional’s negligence causes harm to a patient. This can involve diagnostic mistakes, medication errors, surgical errors, and more. For a claim to be valid, a patient must prove that:

• A doctor-patient relationship existed
• The healthcare provider was negligent
• Their negligence directly caused harm
• The patient suffered damages as a result

Nevada law allows patients three years from the date of injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, these cases are complex and require strong legal representation to prove negligence.

Johns Hopkins Study: “Medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in over 250,000 deaths annually.”

Most Common Medical Errors That Lead to Malpractice Claims

Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose

One of the most dangerous and common mistakes in healthcare is misdiagnosis. If a doctor fails to diagnose a serious condition or incorrectly diagnoses a patient, the consequences can be life-threatening.

Some conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed include:

• Cancer (breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer)
• Heart attacks (often mistaken for anxiety or acid reflux)
• Strokes (misdiagnosed as migraines or vertigo)

A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can mean the difference between early treatment and a worsening condition. If a doctor’s failure to recognize symptoms results in serious harm, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.

“Diagnostic errors are one of the most common reasons for medical malpractice lawsuits.”

Medication Errors

Medication errors affect millions of patients each year. A simple mistake—like prescribing the wrong drug or incorrect dosage—can lead to severe complications or even death.

Common medication errors include:

• Prescribing the wrong medication for a patient’s condition
• Administering the wrong dosage in hospitals
• Mixing medicines that have harmful interactions
• Giving the wrong medication to the wrong patient

Some medication mistakes occur due to poor handwriting, electronic record mix-ups, or pharmacy errors. In some cases, even a faulty IV pump can deliver a dangerously high dose of a drug.

“Approximately 1.5 million individuals experience medication errors each year in U.S. hospitals.”

Surgical Errors and Complications

Surgery always carries risks, but some mistakes are entirely preventable. Unfortunately, surgical errors continue to happen, sometimes with life-altering consequences.

Some of the most serious surgical mistakes include:

• Performing surgery on the wrong body part
• Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient
• Using unsterilized tools leads to infections
• Anesthesia mistakes causing brain damage or death

One of the most horrifying surgical errors is known as a “never event”—a mistake so severe that it should never happen. This includes cases where a surgeon amputates the wrong limb or operates on the wrong patient.

Childbirth Injuries

Childbirth should be a joyful experience, but medical errors during labor and delivery can lead to lifelong disabilities for the baby.

Some of the most common childbirth errors include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
• Delaying a necessary C-section
• Failing to diagnose conditions like preeclampsia

Birth injuries like cerebral palsy, brain damage, or fractures are often the result of poor decision-making during delivery. When doctors fail to act quickly, both the mother and baby can suffer severe harm.

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Before any surgery or treatment, doctors are required to inform patients about the risks involved. If a patient isn’t adequately warned about potential complications and suffers harm, they may have grounds for a lawsuit.

“Patients have the legal right to be informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any medical treatment.”

Table: Common Medical Errors and Their Consequences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common mistake in healthcare?

Misdiagnosis is one of the most common medical errors. When a doctor fails to diagnose or provides the wrong diagnosis, patients may receive incorrect treatment, leading to serious complications or death.

Can I sue a doctor in Nevada for medical malpractice?

Yes, if a doctor’s negligence caused harm, you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Nevada law allows claims to be filed within three years of the injury date, but cases require strong evidence and expert testimony.

What types of medical errors qualify as malpractice?

Errors related to misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, surgical errors, childbirth injuries, and lack of informed consent can all be grounds for a malpractice claim if they result in harm.

How do I know if my doctor made a mistake?

If you experienced unexpected complications, received incorrect treatment, or another doctor gave a different diagnosis, your provider may have made an error. Consulting a malpractice attorney can help determine if negligence occurred.

What compensation can I receive in a medical malpractice case?

Victims may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. However, Nevada has a cap on non-economic damages in malpractice cases.

What should I do if I suspect medical malpractice?

Seek medical attention to correct the mistake, gather medical records, and consult a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice cases as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Medical malpractice errors are more common than most people realize, and they can have life-changing consequences. From misdiagnosis to surgical mistakes, negligence in healthcare can cause serious harm or even death.

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to a doctor’s mistake, it’s essential to take action. Gina Corena & Associates has the experience to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Need Legal Help?

Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our experienced medical malpractice attorneys for a free consultation and find out how we can help you get justice.