Pediatric Malpractice: When Children are Harmed
Safeguarding Our Children: Pediatric Malpractice in Atlanta
Few things are scarier than having a seriously ill child. It’s a parents worst nightmare. And when we entrust our child to medical professionals, we expect the highest quality care. Unfortunately, medical errors can occur, and in the delicate world of pediatrics, the consequences can be devastating.
The Scope of Pediatric Medical Malpractice
Pediatric medical malpractice encompasses a wide range of errors that occur during a child’s diagnosis or treatment. These errors can be committed by doctors, nurses, other healthcare providers, or even hospitals themselves. They can happen in a family doctor’s office, an ER, or any place where children receive healthcare.
According to a Johns Hopkins Medicine study, medical errors are a leading cause of death in the United States. Pinpointing a precise number of pediatric cases is difficult. Still, a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine acknowledges that kids are at high risk for medical negligence because of their unique physiology and challenges in communication.
Common Types of Pediatric Malpractice
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: A missed or delayed diagnosis can have severe consequences, allowing a treatable condition to worsen. A common example is the failure to diagnose and treat bacterial infections properly.
- Medication Errors: Incorrect medication dosage, administration of the wrong medication, or failure to consider allergies can lead to serious complications in children.
- Radiology Mistakes: Just as with adults, radiologists can miss important findings on a child’s imaging.
- Birth Injuries: During childbirth, errors by medical professionals using forceps, vacuums, or failing to perform a timely C-section can cause significant birth injuries like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy.
- Anesthesia Errors: Improper administration of anesthesia can lead to oxygen deprivation, cardiac arrest, or other serious complications.
- Hospital Negligence: Failure to properly monitor a child’s condition, inadequate staffing, or unsanitary hospital environments can contribute to infections and other preventable harm.
The Impact of Pediatric Medical Malpractice
The consequences of pediatric medical malpractice can be devastating. Children who suffer from medical errors may face:
- Long-term physical and cognitive disabilities
- Chronic pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Increased vulnerability to infections
- Lifelong medical needs costing tens of millions of dollars
- Emotional and financial strain on families
Protecting Your Child: When to Seek Legal Help
If you suspect your child has been harmed by medical malpractice, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel from an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorney specializing in pediatric cases. Here are some signs that might indicate malpractice:
- Your child’s condition worsens after treatment.
- You have concerns about a doctor’s diagnosis or course of treatment.
- A medical professional admits to making a mistake.
- Your child experiences unexpected complications.
A good attorney will:
- Investigate the details of your child’s case by studying medical records.
- Consult with medical experts to determine if malpractice occurred.
- File a lawsuit if necessary to secure the resources your child needs for future care.
Finding the Right Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
When selecting an attorney to represent your child in a medical malpractice case, consider these factors:
- Focus: First and foremost, find a law firm that exclusively represents victims of medical negligence, devoting 100% of their time and effort to helping medical malpractice victims.
- Experience: Choose an attorney with a proven track record of handling pediatric medical malpractice cases. Make sure the attorney has successfully handled cases like yours.
- Compassion: Look for an attorney who understands the emotional toll of medical errors on families and demonstrates empathy for your situation.
- Communication: Select an attorney who’ll keep you informed throughout the legal process and is readily available to answer your questions.
At Davis Adams, all we do is help medical malpractice victims. We’ve successfully handled the most complex pediatric medical negligence in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. If you believe your child may have suffered an injury as the result of poor medical care, please know that we stand ready and willing to help. Give us a call today!
