Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice

What to Do When You Believe You’ve Been a Victim of Medical Negligence
A doctor discussing health concerns with a patient in a well-lit office setting.
Medical errors rank as the third leading cause of death in the U.S., highlighting the serious impact of negligence in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.pressfoto/ Freepik
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By Doriel Seno

Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the US, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, there have been 17,000 medical malpractice lawsuits filed each year. 

Errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, or follow-up care can lead to a doctor malpractice lawsuit. This happens when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard level of care expected of them that also results in their patients’ harm.

Here are the steps you can take to manage the challenges of this situation if you suspect medical malpractice.

Recognize the Signs of Medical Malpractice

During an illness something is essential: knowing the signs of neglect since it will profoundly impair the ability to execute treatments or to profit from them. If the intended treatment suddenly encountered problems, or the doctor did not hear your concerns, keep in mind that it is a warning sign. 

Failure to indicate your diagnosis or treatment options should get your attention. Also, notice if your health care provider fails to follow the accepted procedure, causing further damage or pain. You should never feel alone. 

Use your intuition. If you feel that something’s off, then it probably is. Once you recognize the signs, you can find help that can ensure you receive the treatment you deserve.

Being a victim of medical malpractice can be devastating. But the help of a trusted personal injury lawyer can be helpful, says personal injury lawyer Frank S. Clowney III. They can review your case and seek compensation for your financial losses.

Document Your Experience Thoroughly

Being a victim of medical malpractice is not easy to handle. But with the right documents, you can file for a claim so you can be compensated for the grievances you suffered. 

In such a case, what you need are the important documents to start the process. These should include the records of your medical history. Make sure they have the dates of treatment and any conversations with the doctor. 

Document the symptoms and describe the extent to which it has affected your normal life. You need related evidence to prove your claim. These can be test reports, discharge papers, and also the bills. Take sufficient pictures if there are visible injuries or effects of malpractice. 

You should list everyone’s name in your care. Such rates of recording support your claims and demonstrate your seriousness in pursuing justice. Don’t be discouraged. Many have gone through similar experiences and found strength in sharing their stories.

Seek a Second Opinion From Another Medical Professional

A doctor's hand writing on a coronavirus test form, indicating patient information and test results.
Getting a second medical opinion can confirm your concerns, uncover missed issues, and empower you to make confident decisions about your health.freepik

You may have suspicions about medical malpractice. Still, taking a second opinion can cement your doubt. You have the right to be secure with your healthcare. And having a second doctor can address any potential issues that the first one missed.

Should you want, do not shy away from sharing your story with the new doctor and any related documents you have. This validation can give you the confidence to choose the best treatment for yourself. 

You may start to feel that the new doctor belongs in your healthcare journey. Trust your gut feeling. Seeking a second opinion is a way to stay healthy. 

Consult a Legal Expert Specializing in Medical Malpractice

When filing a lawsuit for wrongful death and personal injury, this is always the opportunity to hire a professional malpractice lawyer. The client is to outline their story to the attorney, while the lawyer should appreciate, validate, and try to uplift their spirits in the process. 

An attorney should analyze the case, collect the related evidence concerning it, and then explain the procedure to the client. This means you must share your worries; they want to help. They want to help you through this. 

Then you and your legal partner will walk in confidence, holding somebody accountable and getting justice where your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

File a Complaint With the Appropriate Medical Board or Agency

Once you have deliberated upon it and consulted a lawyer, the next thing is to lodge an official complaint with the medical board or agency so that the authorities can take action or grant protection. Research the particular board that regulates the medical professional at issue. 

Most of these boards have clear step-by-step instructions on how to complain about a practitioner, with an application and supporting documentation usually involved. 

MBTpg

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