Medical Malpractice More Common During Holiday Season
People often think the best time to get a medical procedure done is during the holiday season when things are slowing down and they have some time off from work.
What people DON’T think about are the dangers present at hospitals and medical facilities during the holidays.
Think about it- just like everyone else, healthcare providers often want increased time off during the holiday season. Understaffing, fill-in staff, less experienced staff, and sleep deprivation are all common factors during this season.
Obviously, emergency situations cannot be pushed back. It’s important to seek medical care right away if you are seriously injured. However, if you do have a choice on when to seek medical care, consider waiting until after the holiday season to lower your chances of becoming a victim of medical malpractice.
The Weekend Effect
A comprehensive study was conducted to determine if the mortality for adult patients visiting US emergency departments is greater on weekends than on weekdays.
The result?
By evaluating 4,225,973 adults admitted through the ED, the study confirmed that patients are more likely to die when admitted through the ED on the weekend.
This study demonstrates a phenomenon called “The Weekend Effect” and is found in many businesses open late at night, on the weekends, or throughout the holiday season. When service levels drop and staffing ratios decrease, it could have devastating effects at places like medical centers and hospitals.
Types of Medical Malpractice
There are many different forms of medical malpractice. In 2017, the most common forms of malpractice included:
- Misdiagnosis – 34% of all medical malpractice cases
- Surgical Mistakes – 24% of all medical malpractice cases
- Treatment Mistake – 18% of all medical malpractice cases
- Birth Injuries- 10% of all medical malpractice cases
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
Although medical malpractice is often out of the patient’s hands, there are a few questions you can ask your doctor before a medical procedure to lower your chances of becoming a victim.
Helpful questions to ask your doctor could include:
- What’s the name and description of the operation or procedure you’re recommending?
- Explain why exactly I need this operation or procedure. What happens if I decide not to move forward with it?
- What are the alternatives to this operation or procedure?
- What are all the risks involved with this operation?
- What should I expect during the recovery period?
Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered from medical malpractice during the holiday season or any other time of year, it’s important to know your options.
An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can assess your situation and determine the next steps to take in your case.
The medical malpractice lawyers at Tittle & Perlmuter have years of experience representing clients who have fallen victim to the careless mistakes of doctors, nurses, and hospitals. We promise to always put you first and fight tirelessly for justice throughout this difficult time.
To talk to a medical malpractice attorney, call (216)-285-9991 or fill out a contact form online. Consultations are always free and you don’t pay for our representation unless we win your case.
