Medical Malpractice and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What You Should Know
Serious injuries that occur as a result of medical malpractice can have long-lasting psychological effects on the victim, and those who suffer as a result of negligence can even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, the Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos discuss how you may have a valid medical malpractice claim if you are diagnosed with PTSD after suffering from medical negligence.
Medical Errors are the Third-Leading Cause of Death in the United States
Medical malpractice is described as instances where a health professional makes a wrongful medical decision that causes preventable injury, illness or death to a patient. This can include omitting a necessary step of a treatment plan, administering the wrong medication or the wrong dose of a medication, or making a treatment decision that veers from normal or accepted medical practices.
According to a Johns Hopkins study that analyzed the medical death rate over an eight-year period, medical errors were found to be the third-leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease and cancer. Medical malpractice incidents can include birth injuries, surgical errors, emergency room errors, infections, medication errors, misdiagnoses and failure to diagnose.
Victims Can Develop PTSD After a Traumatic Event
When an act of medical negligence leads to serious and lasting harm to the patient, they may be at risk for developing PTSD, a psychological condition that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD can last for months or even years, and symptoms can include sleeping problems like nightmares or insomnia; general feelings of agitation, hostility, or anxiety; and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or actions. PTSD requires a medical diagnosis, but is a common condition that affects millions of individuals per year.
You May Be Entitled to Pursue Compensation as a Result of Medical Malpractice
Serious cases of medical malpractice, such as a patient waking up during a surgical procedure, can result in the patient developing PTSD and suffering from emotional and physical reactions to their trauma. Victims of medical malpractice who suffer from PTSD as a result of a preventable medical error may be eligible to receive compensation. The plaintiff’s claim typically requires an expert testimony, which means an expert witness, such as a psychiatrist, may be brought into court to testify that the plaintiff is in need of recoverable damages.
Consult the Team of Medical Malpractice Attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos Today
Patients who put their lives and wellbeing in the hands of a medical professional should be able to trust that they are safe in their care. If you were seriously injured or traumatized as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, and developed PTSD as a result, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. The Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos are passionate about seeking justice for those who are impacted by negligence and will stand by you from initial consultation to final verdict. To speak to a medical malpractice attorney about how you may be eligible to receive compensation for your suffering, contact The Law Offices of Peter Angelos today.