When Georgia’s residents go to the hospital they expect to be treated properly. This means they expect to be accurately diagnosed, given the proper medication, and, if necessary, operated on in a safe manner. Quite often, these patients are treated by doctors who hold years of experience and training and are well-educated. But sometimes even smart, experienced doctors make mistakes or become inattentive. If this happens, a patient can be seriously injured or killed.
One man faced such a situation when he was given the wrong dosage of a needed medication. The man was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia where he stayed for 11 days. While there, the man was given lithium for his bipolar disorder, but he was given three times the amount that was needed. The mistake was fatal, killing the patient. The deceased’s wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the errant doctor and won.
As can be seen by this case, Medical malpractice can be deadly. Those who lose a loved one to medical malpractice can be left without a confidant, a lover, and/or a role model. They may also face a difficult time financially as much needed income is lost. Those who are injured but survive a doctor’s error may face similar hardships. They may be left in physical pain, suffer emotionally, and be unable to work for a long period of time.
No matter the extent of the harm caused by medical malpractice, the victim or his surviving family should seek legal aid. A dedicated attorney can help attempt to show the medical professional was negligent in providing care to the injured or deceased victim. If the negligence led to the victim’s injuries or death, then judgment may be rendered against the medical professional.
A successful medical malpractice lawsuit means the victim or his surviving family might recover compensation for their harms. Lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and funeral costs may all be recoverable. With these monetary awards in hand the victim and his family can feel as if justice has been served without drowning in undeserved debt.
Source: Insurance Journal, “Alabama Widow Awarded $850,000 in Husband’s Death from Medication Error,” Sep. 30, 2013