We rely on our healthcare institutions to protect our health at all times, however in rare circumstances, errors may occur which ultimately lead to death.
For the loved ones left behind, just trying to make sense of what happened while dealing with the day to day practicalities of life can pose enormous challenges. With effective support and legal advice, however, you can start to find the answers you need and help to prevent such occurrences happening to others.
Where appropriate, by bringing a claim for medical negligence leading to a fatal injury, it may be possible to seek recourse for the suffering and losses you and your family have incurred as a result.
How may death occur due to Medical Negligence?
Errors or mistakes at any point while interacting with the health care system can ultimately lead to death in some circumstances. The time between the negligent act and death may be protracted, and in many cases, it may not be immediately apparent that an error made by a health professional led to a fatal outcome weeks, months, or even years later. Medical errors which may lead to fatality include:
Failure to diagnose in a timely manner
Failure to refer a patient to a specialist
Making an incorrect diagnosis
Prescribing drugs to which a patient has an allergy
Failure to control for infection or sepsis
Prescription or administration of incorrect medication
Negligence during surgery
Mistakes during birth
Application of poor surgical or medical technique
Failure to monitor a patient effectively
Poor communication between medical staff
Poor administration of anaesthesia