Eye-related medical malpractice errors (and how to file a claim)

Eye-related medical procedures, although rarely life-or-death, are still serious matters, as a mistake made while treating the eyes can permanently affect a patient’s vision. While doctors and other medical professionals might make mistakes when treating a patient’s eyes or eye condition, these mistakes might not necessarily rise to the level of medical malpractice. 

What is Medical Malpractice?

Not every error by a healthcare professional is considered medical malpractice. Instead, medical malpractice occurs when a medical provider renders treatment to a patient that fails to comply with the accepted standard of care, and the patient suffers injury as loss as a result of treatment that falls outside the standard of care.

The standard of care in medical malpractice cases is usually defined as the actions and decisions that other healthcare professionals of similar training and experience would undertake in identical or similar circumstances. In other words, if other doctors or healthcare providers would have acted the same way in treating a particular patient, the law generally will not hold a provider liable when a patient suffers an adverse outcome from the provider’s care.

Common Examples of Ophthalmology Malpractice

Examples of errors that commonly occur in ophthalmology or other eye-related medical care include:

• Cataract surgery – Surgery has become a common procedure for removing cataracts. However, when eye surgeons perform this procedure on an assembly-line basis, they may start to be less careful, potentially leading to serious injury for a patient.
• Failure-to-diagnose – Ophthalmologists or other healthcare professionals may fail to diagnose various eye-related conditions, such as glaucoma. While many conditions can be easily treated and leave no lasting harm if promptly identified, failing to timely diagnose and treat an eye condition may lead to permanent loss of vision for a patient. 

What Should You Do If You Have Been the Victim of Eye-Related Medical Malpractice

If you think you may have been harmed due to medical malpractice that occurred during treatment of your eyes or an eye-related condition, steps you can take to protect your legal rights and interests include:

• If necessary, see another doctor or healthcare provider for a second opinion or for treatment of any injury or condition caused by malpractice
• Keep copies of your medical records, as well as copies of bills, invoices, and receipts for any expenses you may have incurred
• Keep a journal to document how the harm you have suffered from malpractice impacts your personal and professional life.
• Speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and next steps for seeking financial recovery and justice

Contact A Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Consultation About Your Ophthalmology Malpractice Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to medical malpractice in New Jersey? Then you need to talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Clark ophthalmology malpractice attorneys at TeamLaw are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of negligent surgeons, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists throughout New Jersey, including Camden, Passaic, Union City, and Bayonne. Call us today at (732) 540-1394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 136 Central Ave., Clark, NJ 07066l.  We also have offices conveniently located in Union City, Perth Amboy, Edison, Middletown, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, Long Branch, and Jersey City.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.