What Are the Most Common Medical Errors Made at Hospitals?

Medical errors are an unsettling reality of modern healthcare. They can happen anywhere, from world-renowned hospitals to small local clinics, affecting patients of all backgrounds. A Johns Hopkins study revealed that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States, just behind heart disease and cancer. This statistic underscores how important it is to understand these errors so that you can protect yourself.

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, our team has been advocating for patients who’ve suffered from medical malpractice for decades. Our mission is to help victims find answers, accountability, and compensation so they can rebuild their lives. This blog is designed to empower you with the knowledge to recognize common medical errors, potentially safeguard against them, and take action when needed.   

Common Types of Medical Errors

Medical errors come in many forms, ranging from minor mistakes to severe, life-threatening situations. While no comprehensive list captures all possible errors, some types are more frequent than others. Below are some of the most common:  

Medication Errors

Medication errors involve mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring medications. Examples include prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or giving medication to the wrong patient.  

Diagnostic Errors

These occur when a healthcare provider fails to correctly identify a condition or makes an incorrect diagnosis. Diagnostic errors can delay or lead to improper treatments with serious consequences for the patient.  

Surgical Errors

Mistakes made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong part of the body or leaving surgical tools inside the patient, fall under this category. These errors can cause significant harm or even death.  

Infection-Related Errors

Errors related to infections often stem from inadequate sterilization, improper cleaning of wounds, or contaminated medical equipment. These mistakes can lead to severe infections and, in extreme cases, fatal outcomes.  

Why Do Medical Errors Happen?

Medical errors are complex and rarely result from a single cause. Instead, they often involve a combination of factors. Below are common contributors to these mistakes:  

1. Communication Breakdowns

Ineffective communication is a leading cause of errors in healthcare settings. Miscommunication between doctors, nurses, or patients—such as unclear shift handoff notes or incomplete explanations—can lead to incorrect medications being administered or critical symptoms being overlooked.  

2. Insufficient Information Flow

When patient information isn’t properly transferred during discharges, department changes, or facility transfers, it can result in medication errors, misdiagnoses, or delayed treatments.  

3. Human Errors

Healthcare professionals work under immense pressure, making human mistakes more likely. These errors include failing to follow procedures, mislabeled specimens, documentation mistakes, or lapses in judgment—any of which can pose serious risks to patients.  

4. Patient-Related Factors

Patients themselves can unintentionally contribute to errors, such as when they provide incomplete information, fail to follow medical advice, or lack proper identification or informed consent.  

5. Gaps in Organizational Knowledge Transfer

Temporary staff and new technologies often lack adequate training, leading to knowledge gaps within healthcare organizations. These gaps increase the risk of errors.  

6. Staffing Shortages and Workflow Issues

Understaffed hospitals and heavy workloads can lead to fatigue among healthcare providers. Overworked professionals are far more likely to make mistakes.  

7. Technical Failures

Malfunctioning medical devices and equipment failures, such as ventilators shutting down or miscalibrated monitors, can have catastrophic consequences.  

8. Poor Policies and Documentation

Healthcare organizations that lack clear protocols or rely on outdated documentation systems often create conditions for systemic errors.  

What To Do If These Errors Happen to You

If you or a loved one has been affected by a medical error, it can be overwhelming. Knowing the steps to take can help you protect your rights and secure compensation.

1. Document Everything

Keep detailed notes of what occurred, retain medical records, and preserve any communication (such as emails or printed materials) from the healthcare facility.  

2. Seek a Second Opinion

Consult with another medical professional to review your health status and determine the extent of any harm caused by the error.  

3. Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Medical malpractice cases can be incredibly complex. An attorney can evaluate whether you have a valid claim, walk you through your legal options, and fight to hold negligent parties accountable.  

4. File a Complaint

Think about filing a formal complaint with the appropriate licensing board or healthcare oversight body to help prevent further errors.  

5. Don’t Delay

Medical malpractice cases have strict legal deadlines (statutes of limitations). Acting quickly ensures your claim remains valid, allowing us to build a strong case on your behalf.  

Let’s Build a Safer Healthcare System

Medical errors remind us that even the most advanced healthcare systems have flaws. As patients, staying informed and vigilant helps protect your well-being. Meanwhile, healthcare providers must continue to prioritize safety, communication, and accountability.  

If you’ve suffered from a medical error, Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott is ready to stand by your side. With years of experience handling a variety of injury cases, we are unwavering in our pursuit of justice. Reach out to us today to see how we can assist you in moving forward.