When might a doctor be liable for medical malpractice?

On Behalf of | Aug 9, 2022 | Medical Malpractice |

Every healthcare provider has a duty to provide competent care to their patients. This is known as a standard of care. If they breach this standard of care, resulting in injury or death, they may be held liable for medical malpractice.

If you are a victim of medical malpractice, you need to bring a claim within Connecticut’s statute of limitations period. Basically, this is two years from the date of your injury or discovery. But when can you sue a doctor for medical malpractice?

Here are three instances when you can sue a healthcare provider for medical malpractice in Connecticut.

Error with diagnosis

Proper diagnosis is crucial for the patient’s care. The right diagnosis ensures that the patient is given the appropriate treatment for their condition. If the doctor fails to diagnose the patient’s condition or gives the wrong diagnosis, then the patient will not receive the right treatment. As a result, their condition may deteriorate leading to further complications or even death.

Error with the prescription

Prescription errors are especially common in understaffed facilities where the doctor-to-patient ratio is significantly high. It also happens when there is a miscommunication between the doctor and the patient as well as support staff. Whatever the cause, a prescription error can result in:

  •         The patient receiving the wrong medication for their condition
  •         Overdosing
  •         Under-dosing
  •         Serious reactions due to improper drug combination

Improper disclosure

Doctors are required to inform their patients of the treatment procedure as well as its side effects so the patient or their loved one can give them the green light to follow through with the treatment. This is known as implied consent. If a doctor fails to make crucial disclosures leading to injury to the patient, they may be held liable for medical malpractice.

If you are hurt as a result of a healthcare provider’s negligence, you may be able to pursue them for damages