Errors in medical records are far more common than most patients realize. While some mistakes may be simple, such as misspellings, others can have a direct and harmful impact on your treatment. Doctors and nurses rely heavily on your records when making decisions, so what might appear to be a small error can still put your health at risk.
If your medical records contain incorrect information and it contributes to a serious injury, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. Learning how these errors occur and what steps you should take is critical to protecting your rights.
What Are Some Examples of Medical Record Errors?
Medical records are supposed to give doctors a complete picture of your health. Unfortunately, mistakes can and do happen. Some of the most frequent errors include:
- Incorrect patient information, such as age or medical history
- Failure to note drug allergies or medication conflicts
- Omitting important test results
- Entering information into the wrong patient’s chart
- Incomplete or missing notes from prior visits
Any of these mistakes can have serious consequences if another provider relies on the record for guidance.
How Record Errors Can Harm Patients
The consequences of medical record errors can be devastating. If your doctor is working with inaccurate or incomplete information, you may not receive the care you need.
Examples of harm caused by record errors include:
- A delayed diagnosis due to missing lab results
- A dangerous drug interaction if allergies are not noted
- Incorrect treatment when a chart is confused with another patient’s
- Severe infection or complications from unnecessary procedures
In some cases, these mistakes can even be life-threatening. Patients trust that their records are accurate, so when that trust is broken, the results can be catastrophic.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Medical malpractice cases involving record errors are rarely simple. Healthcare providers and their insurance companies routinely deny liability, and these claims also have unique legal requirements, like providing pre-suit notice. A lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing your medical records in detail
- Consulting with medical experts to identify errors
- Proving the connection between the mistake and your injuries
- Determining which parties are legally responsible
- Building a strong claim for fair compensation
- Taking your case all the way to trial if necessary
With proper legal support, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the complexities of your case.
What Should I Do if I Suspect an Error?
If you believe there is an error in your medical records, take steps right away to protect yourself. Ask for a copy of your records and review them closely. If something seems wrong, request a correction in writing. If the error has already caused you harm, seek medical treatment and document your condition carefully.
From there, speak with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. In California, strict deadlines apply to medical malpractice cases, and waiting too long can jeopardize your right to compensation.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Help Taking Legal Action
Medical record errors can lead to missed diagnoses, improper medications, and serious complications. If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of an error in your medical records, you may have legal options. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer with The Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel and Associates can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation. We’ve recovered over $1.4 billion for our clients and are ready to get to work for you next.
