What are the most common causes of medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional acts negligently, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. In California, there are several common causes of medical malpractice. First, doctors can be negligent due to a failure to diagnose a condition. This means the doctor did not order the appropriate tests or make regular follow-ups to check for changes in the patient’s condition. In such cases, the failure to diagnose can lead to a worsening of the condition or even death. Second, doctors can be found negligent if they make a misdiagnosis. This happens when the doctor wrongly identifies a patient’s illness or condition, leading to a course of action that causes harm or injury. Third, surgeons can commit medical malpractice by performing surgery without the patient’s informed consent. This means the patient was not adequately informed about the procedure and its potential risks and complications. Finally, medical malpractice can occur if a doctor prescribes medications that have unforeseen side effects or are contraindicated with other drugs the patient is taking. This can lead to serious harm such as an allergic reaction or an overdose. These are some of the most common causes of medical malpractice. It is important for healthcare professionals to take the necessary steps to properly inform and diagnose their patients, ensure they have the patient’s informed consent, and follow the appropriate medical protocols when prescribing medications.

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