Patient mix up is generally defined as any error on the part of a medical worker that causes two patients to be switched. In other words, staff members mistake one patient for the other. This has several implications, the most important of which being that mixed up patients may receive the incorrect treatment or diagnoses for their ailments. When staff members mix up their patients, this can expose their patients to risk and may cause individuals to fall into a deeper state of illness.

Mix ups usually occur when medical establishments are busy and understaffed. Under these conditions, staff workers may be more likely to misplace charts, confuse patients for one another, or order the wrong treatment for the wrong patient. Miscommunication occurs when there is stress in this kind of environment. When one of these actions happens, the patients usually suffer the most, as they may suffer significant medical problems.

Patient mix up increases the risk of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis as well as the risk of wrong or delayed treatment. In each of these cases, patients may have to wait longer to receive treatment, allowing their conditions to worsen. Worse yet, medical personnel may administer the wrong treatment on a patient, which may prove toxic or even deadly to that patient.

Individuals who fall victim to this error may be entitled to financial compensation from the medical establishment where the mix up occurred. Before pursuing compensation from these establishments, individuals are strongly advised to seek the help of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.

While hiring a lawyer will not guarantee victory in any case, medical malpractice lawyers understand both medical and legal concepts. This knowledge helps them build stronger cases than individuals would be able to build on their own, which often translates to greater success in the court room.

There is a lot of trust that patients put in medical professionals. Sadly, sometimes doctors or hospital workers make poor decisions that could seriously impact your life. You should not be the one to blame if a worker was careless and switched your information with another patient's information.

If you or someone you love suffered harm at a medical establishment because the staff had a mix up with you and another patient, discuss your legal rights and options with the medical malpractice attorney. The injured party is often able to take legal action necessary against a careless medical professional.