While you trust that your doctor will provide the utmost quality of medical care to your child, the unfortunate reality is that this does not always happen. Just like adults, children are often the victims of medical malpractice. If your child was injured or died as a result of medical malpractice, you need to consult a seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorney immediately. At Arfaa Law Group, we are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and seeking the monetary awards that you rightfully deserve.
A new study released by The Doctors Company, a physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, finds that misdiagnosis is the main reason for medical malpractice claims involving children. A misdiagnosis involving either a missed, failed or incorrect diagnosis, typically caused by insufficient medical evaluations, is the number one allegation in medical malpractice claims involving children aged one month to 17 years. It is also the second-most common allegation in lawsuits involving infants younger than one month old.
The study analyzed 1,215 claims from the year 2008 to the year 2017 that were filed against doctors in 52 specialties. The allegations in each claim, as well as the factors that led to the harm, were documented in each case. For instance, poor communication between doctors and the patient or family played a role in 15 to 22 percent of claims depending on the age of the child. In addition, the report provides specific recommendations about how healthcare professionals can reduce the risk of harm to children.
When medical malpractice involves children, it can be even more devastating since they are so vulnerable. Depending on the severity, medical injuries at a young age can adversely affect a child for the rest of his or her life. If your child has been injured due to medical malpractice, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party. Medical malpractice takes place when a doctor or other medical professional causes harm to a patient by failing to do something that a reasonably prudent doctor or medical professional would have done under the same or similar circumstances. It is important to note that not all negative outcomes are the result of medical malpractice. Rather, medical malpractice occurs when the medical professional’s substandard care is the direct and proximate cause of the patient’s injury. In order to win a malpractice case, the following elements must be established:
- The medical professional owed the patient a duty of care;
- The medical professional violated the duty of care owed to the patient;
- The medical professional’s violation was a direct cause of the patient’s injury; and
- The patient incurred medical expenses, lost wages and/or other damages as a result.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than an injury to a child. If your child has been harmed by medical malpractice, we can help. At Arfaa Law Group, our diligent and hard-working Baltimore medical misdiagnosis attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients get through this difficult time. With years of experience, we know the ins and outs of medical malpractice law and can apply our knowledge to your case. For an initial consultation about your case, please call us at 410-889-1850 or contact us online.