Many of the patients in hospitals are already in vulnerable states. Whether it is due to disease, infection or injury, many of these patients just want to be properly treated and no longer in pain. Many of these same patients also do not know that much about medicine and rely on the nurses in the hospital to give them the proper medications, in the right amounts.
Doctor errors happen for a number of different reasons. In New York, many physicians are seeing what feels like a constant stream of patients and in turn can feel rushed. Others can make a simple mistake or overlook a key part of a patient’s medical history. However, what may seem like just a small error can end up being deadly for a patient.
A 2012 study found that 40,500 people die every year in the U.S. due to diagnostic errors in intensive care units. This study, among others focusing on misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, point to a bigger issue in the medical field, one that is putting New York City patients in danger.
New York City women will agree that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better. Early diagnosis means treatment can start right away, which in the long run can mean less invasive surgeries and less aggressive forms of chemotherapy than if a diagnosis is delayed.
Having a baby is supposed to be one of the happiest days in a mother’s life. Yet, a recent survey found that many women are undergoing medical procedures and allow interventions with their delivery without being properly informed of the possible risks and possible complications.
Medicine and treatment has come quite a way. However, for the optimal chance of survival, it is critical patients receive a diagnosis in a timely matter. This means that a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis can be the matter between life and death for a New York City resident.
Like others elsewhere, New Yorkers go to the hospital to get better. However, some people end up getting sicker as a result of hospital infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 100,000 people die each year from hospital infections.
Cerebral palsy is typically caused when a baby is deprived of oxygen during the birthing process. Sadly, babies who are born with cerebral palsy often require medical care for the rest of their lives. In many cases, cerebral palsy is the result of medical negligence.
There is a constant effort to improve medical care. Technological advances have helped people in New York City and beyond live longer. However, new technology is not always foolproof.
Most New York City residents do not have a broad understanding of various medical conditions and the appropriate treatments. Therefore, they rely on their physicians to provide them with the best care possible. A medical malpractice lawsuit may be pursued when a patient is harmed as a result of a doctor’s negligent actions.
