Effects and consequences of medical negligence (Sponsored content by GETX LOCAL SRL)

Although cases of medical malpractice are rare, they are no less traumatic. Their consequences are far-reaching and usually include both physical and psychological problems. Patients who suffer from chronic illnesses or who do not have a lot of financial means are particularly affected. In addition to the short-term damage, there are also long-term effects to consider, which can reduce the overall quality of life and even worsen symptoms. If someone close to you, such as a friend, partner or family member, is affected by medical malpractice, the problems that person goes through can be stressful for you too. The same goes for your loved ones if you are the victim of medical malpractice.

With that in mind, let’s now look at some things you can do to ensure a proper recovery and put this unpleasant event behind you for good.

Physical effects

The physical effects of medical malpractice depend on the individual case and the severity of the misdiagnosis. If something serious is mistaken for a very minor condition, it can have serious consequences for the patient, potentially even leading to a life-threatening illness. Medical negligence is often difficult to prove, and it can be difficult to establish cause and effect. For this reason, you should consider the help of a specialist solicitor such as the team at Gary Matthews if you want compensation for your case. You will need to provide evidence of the health damage you suffered as a result of the medical malpractice, as the amount you are entitled to will depend on the specifics of your case.

A delayed or incorrect diagnosis prevents patients from receiving timely treatment and recovering. In the meantime, the disease may worsen, which means treatment will be more difficult. There is also a chance that the treatment you received may worsen your existing symptoms and make your disease more difficult to treat in the future. Surgical errors are also a form of malpractice that can have consequences. Doctors may perform incorrect procedures, forget surgical instruments in the patient’s body, or cause damage to tissues and organs.

These errors can cause severe infections or internal bleeding, and in severe cases can even lead to extensive systemic sepsis or hypovolemic shock. Birth injuries can also occur and typically include injuries to the spinal cord, brain, or nerves. The physical consequences can range from relatively mild motor delays that can heal on their own to life-changing disabilities such as paralysis.

Emotional impact

While medical malpractice usually affects the physical body, the emotional consequences should not be ignored. You may suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if your case is particularly serious or even life-threatening. You may no longer trust doctors, and the mere thought of going to the doctor may make you anxious. This is especially important because it may lead to you not seeking treatment for other health problems in the future for fear that the same situation could repeat itself. In some cases, you may also struggle with guilt for not being able to protect yourself from the medical malpractice.

While such a worry may seem illogical to someone who has never been the victim of a medical malpractice case, such feelings can be very distressing for the victim and are often impossible to overcome without professional help. Seeking justice through legal action can also cause anxiety as the process is complex and can become quite lengthy. The odds can seem overwhelming and intimidating and this puts additional strain on your mind, something you definitely don’t want to deal with when you’re already feeling stressed and tired.

While having a solid support network is essential during these difficult times, you can also reach out to a therapist. Working with a professional will allow you to develop appropriate coping mechanisms that can ensure you take more practical steps toward recovery.

Financial aspect

The financial consequences of misdiagnosis or incorrect treatments are another aspect of negligence that is not discussed enough. There are several ways in which the economic consequences can impact you, including:

• Medical costs: The financial impact is usually extensive if you require hospitalization, long-term treatment, additional surgical procedures or rehabilitation costs. If ongoing care is also required, the costs will likely be even higher.
• Loss of income: In some cases, patients affected by medical negligence recover after a few days off. However, in more extreme cases, they may become completely unable to work. This leads to a loss of income, which of course creates additional financial difficulties for the individual. Many end up relying on their families, whose income, in some cases, is not enough to cover all the costs.
• Changes in daily life: In severe cases of medical negligence, long-term or even permanent disability can occur and for people facing this scenario, daily life often has to change in many ways. For example, their homes may need to be modified to accommodate their needs and some may also need to purchase special medical equipment.

Cases of medical negligence are not very common, but their consequences can be devastating. Victims must cope with the increasing costs, additional treatments and emotional problems that come with the illness. All of these factors can lead to those affected becoming isolated from their family and friends and making it difficult for them to adapt to the demands of their lives, whether these are temporary or permanent.

Learning how to deal with the disruption caused by medical malpractice is not something that can be accomplished in a day, so it’s important to take your time and not hesitate to ask for help. Having dedicated professionals by your side, ready to work with you, will enable you to achieve a successful outcome so you can truly recover.