The Relationship Between Hospital Errors and PTSD

Hospital Errors and PTSD: How Medical Malpractice Traumatizes Survivors

Posted on December 07, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

Hospital errors can cause severe psychological problems for survivors, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even many years after leaving the hospital, affected patients may never return to normal.

Take for example the psychological effects of waking up in the middle of a surgical procedure. During anesthesia awareness, patients are unable to move, scream or signal doctors for help while they are being operated on. In some cases of anesthesia awareness, doctors fail to deliver the right dosage of anesthetics. This phenomenon is a great example of how hospital errors can cause severe PTSD in patients.

According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, patients who go through anesthesia awareness can suffer from repetitive nightmares, anxiety attacks, irritability and a preoccupation with death.

Hospital Errors Can Cause Severe Psychological Harm to Patients

Anesthesia awareness is not the only type of hospital error that can cause long-term psychological suffering. Even minor hospital errors can cause serious issues. In a recent ProPublica article, patients conversed with a San Diego State University (SDSU) doctor who specializes in patient care.

According to the SDSU doctor, patients who are harmed during procedures experience psychological symptoms that are commonly found in survivors of physical or sexual violence. Symptoms such as depression, anger, guilt and substance abuse can cause further harm to patients for years to come.

These symptoms should be taken into consideration when discussing medical malpractice, as they can be difficult and costly to treat. Additionally, the pain and suffering caused by psychological trauma can be extremely intense, and is sometimes capable of causing premature death.

Tags: PTSD

What Our Clients Say

“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

Patti A.

“The Shapiro Law Group represented our daughter, family, and reputation in winning our daughters case that was due to a catastrophic injury. We interviewed many lawyers and felt Mr. Shapiro would ultimately do what was best for our family. Being involved in a lawsuit is very difficult, emotional, and exhausting. If it weren’t for the Shapiro Law Group fighting for our daughter and family, I don’t know where we would be now. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and know what needs to be done. Lawsuits can take a very long time, and we knew that Shapiro Law Group would not give up. They did whatever was necessary to help our daughter. We can’t thank Mr. Shapiro enough for all he has done for so many! During a very difficult situation in our lives, the Shapiro Law Group went above and beyond in guiding our family in helping our daughter. We would highly recommend this firm. Thank you,”

Stephanie P.

“Attorney Richard Shapiro was able to provide me with very knowledgeable and competent legal expertise to resolve my case.”

D. Harrison