The idea of medical malpractice may make you think of a doctor doing something horribly wrong that kills or seriously harms a patient. While this is one type of medical malpractice it is not the only way a doctor could find him or herself facing a lawsuit in Georgia. There are actually a few different types of medical malpractice.
Medical News Today explains that medical malpractice can stem from an error on the part of a medical professional. However, it may also be due to a lack of responsibility or oversight of a medical professional, too. It may also happen due to something that seems unrelated to the immediate care of the patient. For example, if you get an infection simply from being in the hospital that is not related to any procedure or care you received, then this could be malpractice since the hospital did not provide you with a clean environment.
In addition, your caregiver must explain every single procedure you will receive and inform you of the risks. You have to agree to procedures, or in the event, you cannot agree, your personal representative must agree. However, that agreement must be based on knowledge of all the details, including risks. This is informed consent. If you do not give informed consent, this may also be the basis for medical malpractice.
In general, medical malpractice is always based on you getting harmed in some way that you should not have because of someone else’s actions. How this happens, though, can occur in different ways. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
