Does Medical Malpractice Occur More Often During the Holidays?

As the holidays approach, many of us are busy making plans and preparations. But what happens if you or a loved one suffers from medical malpractice during this time?

Medical malpractice can happen anytime, anywhere. And while it’s often hard to think about, it’s important to know your rights in case it does occur. If you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation.  An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait until after the holidays to seek help – contact The Miller Law Firm today for a free case review at 713-572-3333.

Types of Medical Malpractice

There are four main types of medical malpractice: negligence, lack of informed consent, failure to diagnose, and medical errors.

  • Negligence occurs when a medical professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonable person would expect in a similar situation. This can happen when a doctor makes a mistake in diagnosing or treating a patient, or if they fail to order the proper tests.
  • Lack of informed consent occurs when a patient is not given all the information necessary to make an informed decision about their treatment. This can happen if a doctor fails to disclose the risks and benefits of a particular treatment.
  • Failure to diagnose occurs when a medical professional fails to identify a medical condition that a reasonable person would have found.
  • Medical errors occur when a medical professional makes a mistake in the course of providing medical care. This can happen when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or fails to properly monitor a patient’s condition.

What is the “Weekend Effect” in relation to Medical Malpractice?

If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be wondering if you have a case. One factor that can affect your case is the so-called “weekend effect.”  Studies have shown that patients who are admitted to the hospital on weekends are more likely to suffer from medical errors and complications than those who are admitted during the week. This is due in part to the fact that there are fewer staff members working on weekends, and they may not be as familiar with the patients’ medical histories.

According to a study by the American Medical Association, there was a significant uptick in medical malpractice claims during the months of November and December.  Similar to the “weekend effect,” hospitals can be understaffed during the holidays.  Many nurses and doctors take vacation and visit family during Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years breaks or when their children are out of school.

Additionally holidays can be a very stressful and overwhelming time of the year for many people.  This can sometimes lead to misdiagnoses or other errors.

If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.  Call Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog for a no cost case evaluation.  He doesn’t just Bark, he BITES!  The holiday season is already stressful enough – don’t let yourself be taken advantage of by a negligent doctor or hospital’s mistakes.   Call now, 713-572-3333.