Medical malpractices affect people of different ages. However, the common malpractices vary by age group, and children experience some malpractices more commonly than adults. Below are some malpractices common in minors. 

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain. Causes of meningitis include infections (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses), injuries, medication, and other illnesses. Some forms of meningitis are more serious than others. For example, bacterial meningitis can be fatal in a matter of days.

Meningitis is a common factor in pediatric claims mainly for two main reasons. First, the disease is not easy to diagnose in children since its symptoms mimic other illnesses, such as influenza. Misdiagnosis means a doctor might treat an unrelated condition as the disease festers.

Secondly, some forms of meningitis progress relatively fast and trigger devastating complications. Thus, an affected child can worsen fast and develop a fatal complication or permanent disability. Parents of such children often feel they have no option but to seek compensation on behalf of their children.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which sits in your lower right abdomen. The appendix can burst if you don't treat it in time, triggering life-threatening complications. Appendicitis is common in children and young adults.

Again, diagnostic errors are the common cause of medical malpractice claims related to appendicitis. For example, appendicitis in female patients mimics diseases that affect the same area of the body, such as pelvic inflammatory diseases. Such confusion increases the risk of misdiagnosis, allowing the disease to worsen.

Medication Errors

Medication errors affect a relatively high number of children in different forms. For one, the process of drug absorption, metabolism, and elimination of drugs depends on a child's developmental stage. However, children develop at different rates, and the different stages of development are not always distinct. Thus, the risk of medication overdose is high in kids.

Secondly, children respond to drugs differently from adults. Thus, even a relatively small deviation from the necessary dosage might trigger a big difference in a child. For example, a seemingly minor error due to an illegible prescription can have dangerous consequences for a child.

You deserve compensation for medical malpractice damages, regardless of your age. However, children need adult help filing claims, navigating the claim process, and winning settlements. Contact a medical malpractice attorney if your child is a medical malpractice victim. The lawyer will evaluate the injury and help your family get the relevant compensation.