October 14, 2025 | Medical Malpractice

When you’re injured or ill and go to a healthcare professional for care, you trust that they’ll do their best to help you recover. Many healthcare professionals are committed to providing the best standard of care to their patients and helping them achieve good health. However, there are instances when medical professionals fail to meet the standards of care. The results are often catastrophic. When this happens, victims can pursue financial compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

The Worst Types of Medical Malpractice Injuries

Medical malpractice can occur in several ways including:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Surgical errors
• Birth injuries
• Medication errors e.g. wrong prescriptions,
• Anesthesia errors
• Birth injuries
• Failure to monitor patients properly
• Negligent post-operative care
• And more

While some mistakes may result in minor complications, others can lead to devastating injuries that alter a patient’s life forever. Some of the worst injuries that can affect a patient’s quality of life are discussed below:

• Brain damage and hypoxic injuries

These often occur due to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) during surgery, childbirth or anesthesia. They can also occur when a patient is not properly supervised and their oxygen supply is interrupted or they stop breathing for a period of time. Even a few minutes of oxygen deprivation can cause irreversible brain damage. The severity of the injury can range from cognitive impairment to the patient remaining in a permanent vegetative state.

• Paralysis and spinal cord injuries

Paralysis and spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of various incidences including surgical mistakes, improper positioning, slip and fall accidents due to poor or improper supervision and even anesthesia errors. Patients may suffer partial or complete paralysis including paraplegia or quadriplegia.

• Amputation or loss of limbs or body parts

Patients may lose limbs or body parts as a result of improper treatment of infections, surgical errors or failure to diagnose conditions like compartment syndrome. Patients have suffered amputations as a result of surgery of the wrong site, untreated blood clots or even negligent vascular care. Amputations result in permanent physical disability and loss of independence.

• Birth injuries to infants and mothers

Birth injures are among the most devastating types of medical malpractice injuries. These types of injuries have an impact on both the infants and their families for a lifetime. For example, cerebral palsy is a birth injury that occurs due to delayed delivery. This injury results in long-term development delays and permanent disability. Other examples of birth injuries include maternal hemorrhage from negligent monitoring and brachial plexus injuries.

• Infections and sepsis from negligent care

Infections and sepsis can occur as a result of failure to maintain sterile conditions. They can also occur as a result of failure or delay in diagnosing infections. Particular care must be provided to avoid post-surgical infections, sepsis from untreated wounds or contamination of equipment. Severe infections can have devastating consequences including organ failure, amputations or even death.

Long Term Consequences of Medical Malpractice Injuries

The effects of severe medical malpractice injuries extend far beyond the initial incident. Victims often face lifelong challenges that impact every area of their lives as well as the lives of their loved ones. Some of these consequences are outlined below:

• Physical and functional limitations

These include loss of mobility, motor skills or organ function. Patients may need prosthetics and adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs. These can be costly. The inability to perform day to day tasks independently can have a psychological strain on the patient. It can also impact relationships with loved ones who have to assist or care for the patient.

• Chronic medical needs and rehabilitation

Patients that have suffered severe complications or injuries may require continuous treatment, therapy or in-home nursing care. Continuous treatment may include regular surgeries, medications and specialist visits which all can be very expensive. They are also at risk of developing further complications or secondary health issues. This further complicates their medical malpractice claim.

• Emotional and psychological impact

Patients that have suffered injuries may experience anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is further compounded by the loss of the independence as well as social isolation. Emotional and psychological impacts of medical malpractice injuries aren’t isolated to the victim. Their loved ones may also experience stress, depression, mental fatigue and more as a result of the challenges that arise from caring for a loved one.

• Financial strain

Victims and their families often experience financial strain as a result of mounting medical bills as well as ongoing costs such as rehabilitation, specialized care and equipment. If the victim was working, the loss of their income or earning capacity can place further strain on them and their loved ones.

• Quality of life

The victim’s quality of life may suffer due to their lifelong dependence on others for care. They may be unable to pursue hobbies or work. Their new situation may also place a strain on family relationships and their support system in general.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to medical negligence, you don’t have to face this alone. The experienced attorneys at High & Younes LLC can help. Contact us to learn more.

Omaha Medical Malpractice Lawyers