Medical negligence occurs in many different ways in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics and related locations. What types of medical malpractice occur with regularity and have serious consequences?

This Malpractice Guide guide details the top 6 worst malpractice cases in the U.S. They may help you determine if you need a medical malpractice attorney to pursue damages for yourself or a loved one.

Brain Injuries at Birth

This form of medical malpractice has tragic results for babies and their parents. Death may occur, but in more instances, life-altering consequences such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, paralysis, retardation and blindness are the results. These injuries during birth are often due to fetal distress and hypoxia – the baby not getting enough oxygen. They may also be caused by equipment used to assist the birth.

Items Left in During Surgery

This is one of the highest causes of malpractice cases. There is a variety of items that may be left behind during a surgery. They include instruments, sponges, gauze and tools. Results include pain, infection and sepsis as well as the need for further surgery and treatment.

Failure to Diagnose Disease

Heart disease, cancer, pulmonary embolism, diabetes, meningitis, appendicitis and other diseases can be missed when a tests are administered. The effects include a delay in treatment, worsening of the disease and possibly death.

Delayed Treatment

Even when a disease is diagnosed, a failure to realize the need for immediate treatment, or errors leading to delayed treatment, can occur. The results can be catastrophic.

Wrong Site Surgery

The results of this type of malpractice can be horrific. A healthy kidney may be removed, leaving behind a diseased one. The wrong leg might be amputated, leading to the loss of both legs. A second surgery will be required to do what should have been done in the first, often after a time delay for recovery. The intervening time can result in a worsening of the condition or death.

Anesthesia and Medication Errors

When too little anesthesia is given, pain and suffering is the result. Too much anesthesia can result in coma, brain damage and death. The wrong medication or too much/too little of the right one can have devastating effects.

If you or a family member has been the victim of medical negligence, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice case. Contact a medical malpractice attorney with a good reputation for success. Most malpractice lawyers will provide you with a free case evaluation. If they take the case, it is often on a contingency basis. You won’t pay any fees unless you win. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your options.