Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals provide care that falls below the accepted standards, resulting in patient harm. This failure can involve diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management errors. When a healthcare practitioner owes a duty to a patient and fails to act as a similarly situated professional would, they can be liable for the resulting damages.
While the physical consequences of medical malpractice are often immediately apparent, the emotional impacts can be equally devastating but less visible. Patients who suffer from medical malpractice may experience profound psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries can be long-lasting and significantly affect a person's quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Recognizing the emotional toll of medical malpractice is crucial, as affected individuals have legal options to seek compensation for their suffering. A lawyer can navigate the complex legal process, helping victims pursue just compensation for physical and emotional injuries.
At Bertram & Graf, L.L.C., we assist injured parties in Kansas City through their legal challenges. Contact us at (888) 398-2277 today.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional doesn’t provide the expected standard of care, and this breach of duty results in the patient getting hurt.
Examples of medical malpractice include, but are not limited to:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. A doctor may fail to recognize symptoms of a serious condition, leading to incorrect or delayed treatment. This error can result in the patient's condition worsening, causing significant harm or even death.
- Surgical errors. Errors during surgery, such as performing an operation on the incorrect body part, leaving medical instruments inside the patient, or unintentionally damaging organs, nerves, or tissues, are included in this category.
- Medication mistakes. Errors in prescribing or administering medication, such as giving the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or failing to recognize harmful drug interactions, can have severe and sometimes fatal consequences.
- Birth injuries. Negligence during childbirth can cause the mother and the newborn to suffer injuries. Common issues include improper use of forceps, failure to monitor fetal distress, or not performing a necessary C-section in time.
The Emotional Impacts of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice not only inflicts physical harm but also leaves deep emotional scars on patients and their families. The emotional consequences can be profound and long-lasting, affecting various aspects of a person's life.
Psychological Trauma
Victims of medical malpractice often endure significant psychological trauma. This trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experience of undergoing a medical procedure that goes wrong, receiving a misdiagnosis, or dealing with medication errors can lead to a pervasive sense of fear and helplessness. Patients may constantly worry about their health and the possibility of future medical errors, making it challenging to lead a normal, anxiety-free life.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is another common outcome of medical malpractice. Patients may feel intense anger, frustration, and fear as they cope with the consequences of a medical error. The betrayal of trust in healthcare providers can amplify these feelings, leading to a sense of abandonment and injustice. This emotional turmoil affects daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Impact on Relationships
The ripple effects of medical malpractice extend to a patient's relationships. The emotional strain can cause friction and misunderstandings between family members and friends. Patients might feel isolated, misunderstood, or burdensome, leading to withdrawal from social interactions. Family members, who often become caregivers, might experience their own emotional distress, compounding the overall stress within the household.
Pursuing Compensation for Emotional Injuries
Patients who have suffered emotional distress due to medical malpractice are entitled to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. Emotional injuries can impact a person’s quality of life. The law recognizes these impacts, allowing victims to seek compensation for the suffering endured. A successful claim can provide financial relief and a sense of justice, holding negligent parties accountable.
Compensation for emotional injuries can include several categories, such as:
- Pain and suffering. This compensation covers the physical and emotional anguish endured by the victim. It acknowledges the profound impact that the malpractice has on the individual's mental well-being.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. When emotional injuries prevent victims from engaging in activities they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This remedy addresses the diminished quality of life resulting from the malpractice.
To pursue compensation for emotional injuries, thorough documentation is crucial.
This information includes:
- Medical records. Records of treatments related to emotional distress, including visits to mental health professionals and prescribed medications, provide concrete evidence of the injury.
- Psychological evaluations. Professional evaluations by psychologists or psychiatrists can objectively assess the emotional impact, supporting the claim with expert testimony.
- Personal documentation. Keeping a journal of emotional experiences and how the malpractice has affected daily life can provide valuable insight into the extent of the emotional damage.
Addressing the Emotional Toll of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can leave a lasting emotional impact on victims, resulting in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and strained relationships. Filing a medical malpractice claim is a crucial step toward seeking justice and compensation for these emotional injuries. This legal journey involves documenting the emotional distress, gathering evidence, and navigating complex legal procedures.
Affected individuals are encouraged to seek legal advice to understand their rights and the compensation they may be entitled to. A lawyer can craft a solid case for emotional injuries by providing sound guidance, collecting necessary documentation, and effectively representing the victim's interests.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to medical malpractice, contact our Kansas City team at Bertram & Graf, L.L.C.. Call (888) 398-2277 today.