Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in California

Medical malpractice can take many forms, and in California, patients often file claims when they experience harm from healthcare professionals. Understanding the common types of medical malpractice cases is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. This blog will explore the most frequent scenarios that lead to malpractice lawsuits, providing real-world examples to illustrate how California law addresses these issues.

1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most common types of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to correctly diagnose a medical condition, it can lead to improper treatment, delayed treatment, or no treatment at all. In severe cases, this mistake can cause a patient’s condition to worsen or even become life-threatening.

For example, in Johnson v. Superior Court, a California patient sued for delayed diagnosis after a doctor failed to identify signs of cancer during routine tests. By the time the cancer was correctly diagnosed, it had progressed to a later, less treatable stage. Misdiagnosis cases often involve conditions like cancer, heart disease, or infections, where timely and accurate treatment is crucial.

2. Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are another leading cause of medical malpractice claims. These errors can include performing surgery on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unintended damage to organs during the procedure. Even minor surgical errors can lead to severe consequences, including infections, prolonged recovery, and even death.

A notable example in California is the case of Morales v. United States, where a surgeon accidentally perforated a patient’s bowel during a routine procedure. The mistake went unnoticed for days, leading to a severe infection and permanent damage. Surgical errors often lead to complicated and expensive malpractice claims.

3. Medication Errors

Medication errors can occur when a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong drug, administers the incorrect dosage, or fails to account for dangerous drug interactions. These mistakes can lead to adverse side effects, worsening conditions, or even fatal outcomes.

In one case, a patient was given a much higher dose of a medication than prescribed due to a nursing error. The patient suffered a heart attack and permanent neurological damage as a result. Medication errors can involve not only doctors but also pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for dispensing or administering drugs.

4. Birth Injuries

Birth injuries often result in some of the most tragic and complex medical malpractice claims. These cases involve injuries to either the mother or the newborn during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Common birth injuries include brain damage, nerve damage, or fractures resulting from improper use of forceps or failure to perform a timely cesarean section.

For example, in Smith v. St. Joseph Health System, the plaintiff claimed that doctors failed to perform an emergency C-section, resulting in the baby suffering from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. Birth injury cases often lead to lifelong care needs, making these claims highly valuable in terms of damages.

5. Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can be particularly dangerous since patients are unconscious and unable to communicate problems during surgery. Common anesthesia errors include giving too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs, or not properly accounting for the patient’s medical history.

In California, there have been several cases where anesthesia errors led to brain damage or death. In one instance, an anesthesiologist failed to monitor a patient’s oxygen levels during surgery, resulting in severe brain damage. Anesthesia errors are often grounds for substantial malpractice claims due to their devastating effects.

6. Failure to Treat

Sometimes, medical malpractice occurs not because of incorrect treatment but because of a failure to provide any treatment at all. This can happen when doctors fail to recognize the severity of a patient’s condition or dismiss symptoms that warrant immediate attention. Failing to treat a patient in a timely manner can result in the condition worsening and, in some cases, can be fatal.

For example, in Mendez v. Los Angeles Medical Center, a patient visited the emergency room multiple times with severe chest pain but was sent home without receiving a proper diagnosis or treatment. Later, the patient suffered a heart attack. The lawsuit claimed that the hospital’s failure to treat the patient appropriately led to preventable harm.

Contact Experienced Attorney Today!

Medical malpractice claims in California are often complex, involving detailed investigations and expert testimony to determine whether the healthcare provider breached the standard of care. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, and failure to treat are some of the most common scenarios that lead to these claims. Understanding these types of cases is the first step in recognizing whether you may have a valid claim.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical negligence, it’s essential to seek experienced legal counsel to help you navigate your rights. Contact KAASS LAW today for a free consultation to evaluate your case and explore your options for pursuing compensation. Let our team of dedicated attorneys work on your behalf to hold healthcare providers accountable and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.