While every case is unique, medical errors tend to occur in certain situations. Providers may deviate from the acceptable standards of care where they:
Delay diagnosis of a condition that requires immediate attention;
Misdiagnose an illness, leading to unnecessary and sometimes dangerous treatment;
Perform surgery at the wrong site, such as the right leg instead of the left;
Operate on the wrong patient, which typically leads to unnecessary surgery for one victim and a delayed procedure for the other;
Leave a device, sponge, or surgical instrument inside the patient;
Puncture or perforate internal organs or nerves during surgery;
Fail to administer proper levels of anesthesia, either providing too much or too little;
Do not account for a patient’s prior medical history, medication allergies, or other factors;
Engage in other acts of incompetence.