What Actions Constitute Medical Malpractice?

Medical errors are responsible for over 250,000 patient fatalities each year, making medical malpractice the third leading cause of death in the world. “Medical malpractice” is a legal term that encompasses any scenario where a patient is directly harmed by the actions, omissions, or failures of a medical professional.

In the past, hospitals in the United States functioned as charitable organizations that were funded by religious groups, advocacy associations, and wealthy independent donors. These facilities operated under one mission: provide health care and medical services to the poor. However, in the late 1990s, investor-owned corporations started purchasing non-profit facilities and medical groups to create for-profit hospital chains. Consequently, your local hospital is likely understaffed and running on a corporate system that prioritizes investors over patients. This means that overworked doctors, nurses, specialists, and hospital staffers lack the time and resources to provide patients with the attention and services their respective conditions warrant.

In Florida, an injured patient can file a medical malpractice claim for the following acts of negligence and more:

  • Performing surgery on the wrong patient or body part
  • Failing to properly administer anesthesia
  • Leaving surgical tools inside a patient
  • Using contaminated surgical instruments
  • Failing to accurately diagnose or treat a patient
  • Committing a dangerous and/or fatal pharmaceutical error
  • Misusing equipment or surgical tools

Of course, the legal concept of “medical malpractice” isn’t just limited to the hospital industry; it also encompasses psychologists, therapists, pharmacists, and other health care representatives.

NMMAA Officials Establish Medical Malpractice Awareness Month

The National Medical Malpractice Advocacy Association (NMMAA) is a non-partisan civil rights organization that was originally founded in 2013 by a group of medical malpractice survivors. This incredible organization operates with one mission: “Through education, awareness, and advocacy, the mission of the NMMAA is to improve the quality of healthcare in America for men, women, and children of all ages and from all walks of life.”

Recently, the NMMAA finalized negotiations with several local, state, and national leaders to officially turn July into Medical Malpractice Awareness Month. To kick off the event in 2019, the NMMAA is spearheading a campaign called “End the Silence,” which seeks to educate the public about medical malpractice in the United States.

Ready to support the NMMAA and Medical Malpractice Awareness Month? You can “End the Silence” by:

  • Spreading awareness about Medical Malpractice Awareness Month.
  • Sharing personal stories that involve acts of medical negligence.
  • Organizing or participating in community events.
  • Posting news reports, journal studies, or helpful resources on your social media accounts.
  • Donating to the NMMAA.

The trial attorneys at The Ferraro Law Firm have been representing the rights of medical malpractice survivors for over 30 years. If you have been harmed by the actions of a negligent health care professional, please contact our skilled and compassionate medical malpractice lawyers as soon as possible.