Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. Understanding the causes, consequences, and prevention of medical malpractice is crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Common causes of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, failure to obtain informed consent, and inadequate follow-up or aftercare. These mistakes can occur due to negligence, lack of communication, fatigue, or inadequate training.

The consequences of medical malpractice can be severe and life-altering. Patients may suffer from physical pain and disability, emotional distress, loss of income and earning capacity, and increased medical expenses. In some cases, medical malpractice can even result in death.

Medical malpractice can be prevented through various measures. Healthcare professionals should maintain open and effective communication with patients, ensure proper documentation of medical records, stay updated with the latest medical practices and guidelines, obtain informed consent from patients, and prioritize patient safety. Additionally, healthcare institutions should have systems in place for reporting and analyzing medical errors, providing ongoing training and education, and promoting a culture of safety and accountability.