There is a misconception that medical malpractice only occurs during lengthy and complicated procedures. The reality is that it can actually occur on any level. Ophthalmic malpractice is one example as most of the public doesn’t expect malpractice to be so rampant in this area. The Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company has reported that retinal detachment is often the most common area of the field for people to experience malpractice.
Incredible findings
In the report made by the OMIC, researchers found that over 1,613 ophthalmic malpractice claims were filed since 2014. The incredible find here was that over 223 of those claims were filed because of a misdiagnosis, which would end up being the highest within the clinical category. It is assumed that many ophthalmologists would consider themselves experienced enough to determine if a person has a retina tear or detachment. However, the numbers are telling another story.
Why the right diagnosis matters
Although some of the errors regarding misdiagnosis with retinal detachment aren’t too severe, the issue comes from the fact that time is critical to ensuring that the condition is treated properly. The faster retinal detachment is treated, the better the results a patient may experience.
Another issue that doctors are speaking about is the lack of support within their team. An ophthalmologist needs a team of experts to help them manage the number of people coming through their doors. This allows them to concentrate properly on each patient and provide them with the best possible medical attention. When a doctor lacks this support, a misdiagnosis may be more likely.
As you can see from the above information, malpractice isn’t uncommon. If you suspect doctor negligence, you may want to seek legal advice from an attorney to ensure that you have the proper information before taking any legal action.