List of medical errors

Being treated requires a natural trust in healthcare professionals. However, despite the expertise of the medical profession, errors can occur. When a medical procedure causes harm, this is called medical error . These events are not uncommon and can have serious consequences, both physical and mental. If you are affected, knowing the list of the most common medical errors is an essential first step in defending your rights and considering a compensation claim .

The list of known medical errors

• Diagnostic error: This is the incorrect identification of a disease, often leading to inappropriate treatment . This can lead to significant loss of opportunity , especially in serious illnesses such as cancer or stroke.

• Medication errors: This includes administering the wrong medication, an inappropriate dosage, or using a contraindicated treatment. These medical accidents can cause serious or even irreversible reactions.

• Delay in care: A delay in intervention , diagnosis or transfer can worsen the patient's condition. Case law considers these delays to be faults when the delay was not justified.

• Error during surgery: Forgetting a foreign body, making an incision in the wrong place, or damaging adjacent organs are among the recognized medical errors . A medical expert is often necessary to assess the consequences.

• Anesthesia error: Incorrect dosage, lack of post-operative monitoring, unanticipated allergic reaction... These errors are often the result of a technical error involving the responsibility of the anesthesiologist .

• Nosocomial infections: Contracted in the hospital, these infections are sometimes preventable. When they are not due to an external cause , the establishment may be held liable.

• Medical equipment error: A defective or poorly adjusted device, an unsuitable prosthesis, or a non-compliant implant can cause significant bodily harm .

• Failure to inform the patient: Before a medical procedure, the doctor has an obligation to provide informed consent . Failure to provide this essential information may constitute medical negligence , even in the absence of complications.

• Post-operative monitoring error: Negligence after an intervention (undetected hemorrhage, ignored complications) can be considered an error if monitoring was insufficient.

• Error during delivery: Incorrect assessment of the fetal heart rate , a late cesarean section, or inaction in the face of fetal distress can lead to serious after-effects for the child or the mother.

Understanding what a medical error is

Medical error occurs when the behavior, decision, or omission of a healthcare professional during a medical procedure causes harm to the patient. These situations are governed by the Kouchner Law of 2002 , which strengthened patients' rights and facilitated compensation procedures.

It is important to distinguish between an unavoidable complication and medical malpractice . In the latter case, liability may be incurred, involving the recognition of an avoidable medical accident or a failure in patient care . To better understand your rights, you can consult our dedicated page: what to do after a medical error?

The most common medical errors

The list of medical errors is varied, affecting various fields of medicine. Some errors result from an inappropriate action, others from a poor decision or a lack of supervision.

Among the most common types of errors are diagnostic errors , which can lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment. To learn more about this topic, our private sector medical errors page explains the specific issues in these situations.

Treatment errors are also common. They can involve an inappropriate prescription, an unaddressed drug interaction, or incorrect administration of a product. The consequences can be serious, ranging from a severe allergic reaction to iatrogenic conditions .

Nosocomial infections , contracted in the hospital after more than 48 hours of hospitalization, are also errors that can engage the responsibility of the establishment, in the absence of an external cause or proof of impeccable hygiene. For more information, consult our page on the lawyer specializing in nosocomial infections .

What to do as a victim of medical error?

If you believe you are the victim of medical malpractice , it is crucial to act quickly. The first step is to document the harm you suffered . To do this, you can request your medical records , which are essential for any procedure.

Next, it is strongly recommended that you contact a specialist lawyer . We offer a free video consultation to assess your situation in complete confidentiality.

You can also consult our legal advice on procedures after a medical error to better understand the steps to follow.

The essential role of the ICC in compensating victims

The conciliation commission is responsible for handling cases where medical errors have resulted in significant damages. It relies on the opinion of an independent medical expert . To understand how this procedure works, read our guide to the ICC .

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry can offer compensation through the institution's insurance or through national solidarity. This simplified process can often avoid lengthy and costly appeals.

Why use a specialist lawyer?

A medical malpractice lawyer understands the complex rules of conciliation and compensation , legal deadlines, liability criteria and will be able to assess the damages suffered .

He can also direct you towards the right legal or amicable route , depending on the seriousness of your situation.

To go further

You can explore our legal blog where we regularly publish articles in the categories of medical liability , legal procedures or even compensation .

And if you would like to be advised in the office, you can also make an appointment in Paris or online .