7 Things to Consider If You Are a Medical Malpractice Victim
Medical malpractice is one of the top causes of death today. Last year, this article cited medical error as the third leading cause of death in the US after heart attacks and cancer.
Many people also suffer fatal injuries as a result of medical malpractice, and you should know what to do in case it happens to you. Let’s start by defining what medical malpractice is to see whether you are a victim.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical error or malpractice is where a doctor, hospital, or health care professional causes injury or death to a patient through acts of negligence, omission, or ignorance. Medical error can result in injury, loss of money, or death in severe cases.
You are a victim of medical malpractice if;
• You get substandard medical care.
• You are injured due to negligent or careless acts by your health provider.
• Where a medical misdiagnosis causes physical injury triggers an illness, or leads to death.
• If you notice incorrect diagnosis or misreading of your lab results.
• When you suffer surgical error or are given the wrong medication
• If you do not get proper care after treatment.
If one or some of these things have happened to you or a loved one, then you are a victim of medical malpractice. What do you do next?
Things to do if you suspect you are a victim of medical malpractice
1. Ask questions
People often trust doctors and feel no need to ask questions, even when they think something is wrong. Well, from the first visit you have with your doctor, you have the right to ask questions about anything. If you suspect malpractice, asking questions might save you from wrong treatment, medication, or procedures. Be persistent with your questions, and don’t accept general answers. Get clear feedback that will help you understand what is happening with your health and treatment.
2. Keep a personal record of your experience
Once you notice a health issue, you must keep a medical journal. Have a clear and up-to-date record of symptoms, how often they manifest, and any other information related to your illness.
Keep a record of information on your treatment. Detail your doctor’s analysis, tests, and any medication you are given.
The more information you have in your medical journal, the better. It will help you identify any mistakes, wrong treatment, and side effects. It will also help you to put together a case against your doctor for malpractice if you decide to pursue one in the future.
3. What information is in your medical records?
Your medical records are precious; they contain crucial information on your medical history, symptoms, medical tests and results, diagnosis, and treatment. By looking at them, any evidence of malpractice will be evident.
For example, if you have a history of heart problems in your family and have chest pains, your doctor should check your heart. If he/she doesn’t and gives you medication for anxiety instead, that’s possible malpractice; they have overlooked a crucial piece of your medical history and prescribed medication without doing proper tests.
You can see how your medical records can come in handy, so always keep copies of your medical records from your first visit. They will help in case you are a victim of malpractice and need to pursue justice in the future.
4. You have a right to get another doctor
When you think your doctor is misdiagnosing you or giving you the wrong treatment, you must find another doctor. Do not feel obliged or be coerced into staying with a doctor who seems to be treating you the wrong way. Before you move, collect all your records so your new doctor can review your case thoroughly, give you the right diagnosis, and the proper treatment.
5. Is it right to ask for an investigation?
Once you feel you have been a victim of medical malpractice, you can ask for an investigation of the doctors and hospital involved. It will help you clear up matters and give you a basis for your malpractice case should you decide to pursue one.
If you are unsure about doing investigations, you will find the assurance you need when you visit a medical malpractice lawyer. Once you state your case, your lawyer can pursue an inquiry on your behalf. So it is definitely worth considering.
6. Getting help from an expert medical malpractice lawyer
If your investigations prove you are a victim of medical malpractice, you should get legal help. Even if you have done no investigations but your physical symptoms, medical records, or opinion of your new doctor point to medical malpractice, you should pursue the idea of suing the doctors involved.
To sue a doctor for medical malpractice, you need to contact a certified medical malpractice lawyer. Certified lawyers undergo rigorous vetting, and engaging one gives you a chance to get your case represented the right way, thereby increasing your chances of getting justice.
Once you get a good medical malpractice lawyer, present your case and all the evidence so he/she can advise you. The medical records, journal, and any other evidence of wrongdoing will come in handy.
7. Do you need to discuss your case with other people?
Once you give your attorney the reins of your medical malpractice case, avoid discussing it with other people. Avoid talking to the medical practitioners concerned, insurance companies, or other lawyers.
Keep information about your case contained to keep the defendants from finding out crucial information about it and subverting justice. Let all people talk to your lawyer or talk to you in the presence of your lawyer.
Conclusion:
Maybe you suspect you have been a victim of medical malpractice but are not sure. The best thing to do is contact medical malpractice experts to find out if you have a case or not. The experts will examine your information and listen to your concerns.
If you have a claim, your lawyer will help you to get justice in the form of compensation, payment for medical expenses, and refund for losses in wages or any pain and suffering resulting from medical negligence.
Call a medical malpractice lawyer today!
