Medical malpractice isn’t just about mistakes in surgery or misdiagnosis—it covers a wide range of situations where a healthcare professional’s actions fall below the accepted standard of care, ultimately causing harm. Understanding the common types of claims can help patients recognize when they may have a case and know when to seek legal guidance.

At Leffew Law Firm, our Charleston legal team helps clients navigate these complex claims, ensuring their rights are protected and that they get the compensation they deserve.

Continue below to learn more.

1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most common medical malpractice claims involves misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to identify a condition correctly—or takes too long to do so—it can result in unnecessary suffering, delayed treatment, or worse outcomes.

Examples include:

  • Failing to diagnose cancer in its early stages
  • Misreading lab results or imaging studies
  • Confusing one condition with another

Even experienced doctors can make mistakes, but when a misdiagnosis leads to harm that could have been prevented, it may qualify as medical malpractice.

2. Surgical Errors

Surgery is high-stakes, and errors in the operating room can have serious consequences. Surgical malpractice claims often involve:

  • Operating on the wrong site or patient
  • Leaving instruments or sponges inside the body
  • Nerve, tissue, or organ damage due to negligence
  • Anesthesia errors or complications

Surgical errors are often complex cases, requiring thorough investigation and expert testimony to establish negligence.

3. Medication Errors

Medication mistakes are another leading cause of malpractice claims. These can include:

  • Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
  • Failing to consider drug interactions
  • Administering medication incorrectly in a hospital or clinic setting
  • Failing to warn about serious side effects

Even minor errors in medication management can cause severe harm, making this a frequent type of claim.

4. Birth Injuries

Claims involving birth injuries often focus on preventable harm to a baby or mother during labor and delivery. These may include:

  • Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
  • Failure to monitor fetal distress
  • Delayed or improper C-section
  • Mismanagement of maternal health conditions

Birth injury cases can be highly emotional and complex, requiring both legal expertise and sensitivity.

5. Failure to Treat or Follow Up

Sometimes medical professionals provide care but fail to follow up properly. This can include:

  • Not monitoring a patient after treatment or surgery
  • Ignoring test results or abnormal readings
  • Failing to provide clear instructions for ongoing care

Neglecting follow-up care can turn a treatable condition into a serious complication, leading to a medical malpractice lawsuit.

6. Improper Consent or Patient Communication

Patients have the right to understand the risks and benefits of treatment. Malpractice claims can arise if:

  • A doctor fails to inform a patient about potential risks
  • Treatment is performed without proper consent
  • Critical information about post-procedure care is withheld

Informed consent is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement to protect patients and ensure decisions are made with full awareness.

7. Diagnostic Testing Errors

Errors related to laboratory or imaging tests are also common. These include:

  • Misreading X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs
  • Losing or mishandling lab samples
  • Failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests based on symptoms

Even a single missed or incorrect test can have cascading effects on a patient’s health.

Protecting Your Rights in a Medical Malpractice Case

If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to medical negligence, it’s critical to act quickly. Medical malpractice claims often involve strict deadlines under state law, and gathering evidence early can make a significant difference.

At Leffew Law Firm, we guide clients through every step:

  • Reviewing medical records and treatment history
  • Consulting medical experts to establish standard-of-care violations
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Representing you in court if necessary

Partner with a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Charleston, SC, at Leffew Law Firm

Medical malpractice claims are complex and require careful analysis of the facts, medical standards, and damages. Understanding the common types of claims—from misdiagnosis and surgical errors to birth injuries and medication mistakes—can help you recognize when you may have a case and take action before it’s too late.

According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, more than 11,000 medical malpractice claims resulted in payouts in the U.S. in a single year, with billions of dollars paid to injured patients nationwide.

If you suspect you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact Leffew Law Firm for a consultation and learn how our team of medical malpractice lawyers can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.