Medical malpractice is the result of negligence on a doctor’s part. While anyone can become a victim of medical malpractice, there are a few examples of medical errors that may have a particularly significant effect on elderly patients.
Though very few people would expect mistreatment from a medical professional, building awareness of possible errors remains a prudent course of action. Elderly individuals undergoing treatment should be aware of any risks and consult with their practitioner if there is any cause for concern.
Medication errors
Medication errors can be an example of malpractice when a doctor prescribes incorrect medication or provides faulty dosage instruction. Elderly patients who are taking multiple medications can be especially susceptible to receiving prescriptions that should not mix.
Anesthesia errors
Excess anesthesia and improper equipment use can cause serious mental or physical harm to a patient. One study from the Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology posits that elderly individuals above the age of 60 are at greater risk of cognitive dysfunction resulting from the use of anesthetics.
Surgical errors
In the fast-paced environment of an emergency room, surgical errors can arise when a doctor damages an internal organ or leaves surgical implements within a patient’s body. These incidents can be highly damaging or deadly for an older patient with a weaker constitution and could be grounds for suing an ER doctor.
In the event of a medical error that occurs during the course of treatment, a medical malpractice attorney can provide insight on options for pursuing legal compensation.
