Common Types of Medical Malpractice


Most people place a high degree of trust in the practitioners who provide their medical care. And recognizing that most doctors provide dedicated care to their patients, they deserve that trust, even though they cannot cure every condition or reduce the risks associated with certain treatments. But when patients suffer injury because a medical practitioner does not provide a reasonable standard of care, they have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. The medical malpractice attorneys at Dattilo Law Offices, P.C. have skills honed from decades of experience and a record of success helping victims of medical malpractice pursue the justice they deserve.

Pittsburgh Patients Can Experience Many Common Types of Medical Malpractice

Our attorneys have helped clients seek compensation for a wide variety of medical malpractice situations. The following are among the most common types of medical malpractice:

  • Surgical errors:  In a 1992 study of representative hospitals, surgical errors accounted for two-thirds of adverse results and about 13 percent of deaths. Common errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving items in the body, anesthesia errors, and post-operative infections
  • Diagnostic errors:  Many reasons exist for potential diagnostic failure, including misinterpretation of test results or incomplete review of patient histories. Failure to accurately diagnose a condition or diagnostic delays can lead to anything from incorrect or ineffective treatment to costly and potentially invasive additional testing
  • Medication errors:  Even within hospitals, the error rate can be high in ordering and administering medicines. Some errors result from the lack of knowledge a prescribing physician has about a specific drug—or about the patient. But even when a physician correctly prescribes medication, pharmacies can dispense the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage
  • Lack of responsible hospital or nursing home care:  Particularly with reduced staffing of hospitals and residential facilities, patients do not always receive the dedicated care they need. Errors can range from the incorrect dispensing of medications and other treatment to lack of watchful eyes required to ensure the safety of elderly patients

Contact an Experienced Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice

If you believe a loved one may have been injured or died because of medical malpractice, or that you have suffered because of a medical error, take advantage of our expertise to help you determine if you have a legitimate medical malpractice claim. The Pittsburgh, PA medical malpractice lawyers of Dattilo Law Offices, P.C. offer a free consultation, and if we decide to take your case, we operate on a contingency fee basis—you owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Pleasecontact us online, or call our office at (412) 391-6300 to arrange an appointment.