Malpractice takes many forms. Some types of negligence are harder to recognize, especially when the patient does not discover the harm until weeks, months, or even years later.

Doctors, nurses, technicians, or other health care practitioners may commit negligent acts that cause patients to suffer serious consequences.

Here are the 10 most common types of medical malpractice:

1. Failure to diagnose a serious condition. The most frequent form of malpractice is a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a condition that may cause serious harm. Failing to diagnose a serious disease may cause severe illness or death.
2. Surgical errors. A patient may experience deadly consequences when a physician provides the wrong treatment for a critical illness or injury–this also applies to doctors who fail to provide treatment for a patient’s condition.
3. Incorrect treatment of a medical condition. A patient may experience deadly consequences when a physician provides the wrong treatment for a critical illness or injury–this also applies to doctors who fail to provide treatment for a patient’s condition.
4. Birth injuries. A birth injury may result when a doctor or technician makes an error during pregnancy, labor, and/or delivery–the most common types of birth injury include cerebral palsy, improper monitoring, or failing to perform a C-section when necessary.
5. Cancer misdiagnosis. Patients whose cancer is detected and treated in the early stages have higher survival rates–therefore, if a patient is not diagnosed when symptoms first appear, the disease is likely to progress to a stage where treatment is no longer effective.
6. Medication errors. A doctor may prescribe the wrong drug or dosage, or a pharmacist may misread a prescription and provide the wrong medication to the patient–also, a patient may have a life-threatening reaction if a doctor fails to check for drug allergies or interactions.

7. Bedsores. Bedsores, which are a sign of neglect or inadequate care, are commonly seen in hospitals and nursing homes–if left untreated, bedsores may become infected and lead to more serious health problems.
8. Anesthesia errors. If an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist makes a mistake, it may cause permanent injury, brain damage, or even death–common errors include failing to review the patient’s medical history or improperly monitoring vital signs during surgery.
9. Dental mistakes. Like physicians, dentists and oral surgeons may also make harmful mistakes–a patient may suffer serious harm if a dentist misdiagnoses oral cancer or makes a mistake when administering anesthesia.
10. Failure to prevent or treat infections. Some infections are caused by negligence, such as unsanitary conditions or implements–also, patients may become ill when staff members ignore infection prevention protocols such as hand-washing and wearing masks.

The team at BostonLegalNetwork.com urges victims of medical malpractice to get a free, thorough case evaluation.