Tired doctors commit malpractice People are just beginning to realize the exact dangers of fatigue. In the driving realm, fatigued driving is every bit as dangerous as drunk driving. Now, there are real concerns that some Ohio doctors are too tired to do their job right, opening them up to malpractice cases.
Being tired is no excuse for negligence
Doctors are notorious for working long shifts, especially when they are just beginning their career. Oftentimes, it is not a choice that they make, but something that they are forced to do by the hospital. This is how the medical field works. However, the hospital can be legally responsible if a tired doctor makes a mistake.
Late afternoon is not the best time for an appointment
However, fatigue errors do not only happen at hospitals. Doctors start early in the morning and schedule appointments late into the afternoon. When late afternoon rolls around, doctors have been seeing patients for hours straight, and their attention may begin to slip. Studies show that doctors make more mistakes towards the end of their shift no matter where they work. Both lack of sleep and long shifts cause
errors in judgement. The issue is made worse by the economics of the health insurance system that forces doctors to need to see more patients to earn their living. At the end of the day, the exact cause of physician fatigue is not important. If your doctor makes a mistake, they could be held legally responsible. If you or a loved one have been injured by a negligent doctor's failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis, you should see a medical malpractice attorney. These cases are difficult and involved, so you need an experienced attorney. Moreover, medical malpractice cases can take a considerable amount of time, making it imperative for you to begin the legal process early.