Medical errors can occur under a multitude of circumstances and the outcome of similar issues could pose a significant threat to a person’s well-being. Patient misidentification is a type of issue that may lead to a greater risk of errors. While such incidents may be preventable by nature, similar forms of medical negligence continue to affect the well-being and lives of many individuals in North Carolina.
The risks involved
Being thorough in identifying patients is essential to staving off a variety of potential risks. For instance, issues with misidentification can lead to the administering of treatments that were intended for another patient altogether and improper paths of care can create a variety of health concerns. Misidentification can also lead to a greater risk of medication errors and improper types and amounts of medications can affect a person’s well-being in numerous ways.
Patient misidentification can also lead to issues such as wrong-site or even wrong-person surgeries. Surgical errors of this nature can carry dire ramifications that could leave a person with severe or even permanent injuries. Similar issues could also prompt a greater risk of diagnostic errors or lead to delays in treatment and such negligence can place the health and well-being of a patient at substantial risk.
Medical negligence
Those who suffer severe or permanent harm after being subjected to such forms of medical malpractice may face an understandable desire for answers, or even justice. When similar issues arise, a person in North Carolina might consider speaking with an attorney for guidance in thoroughly evaluating his or her situation. An attorney can provide a client with advice on the best course of action to take and assist in preparing to pursue the full amount of compensation he or she is entitled to receive via a medical malpractice claim.