WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ENCOUNTER MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?
Medical negligence or malpractice is common, and every day, several patients experience anguish following that. Although medical professionals are not perfect, they must be skillful and take extra care when dealing with patients. That is what makes a professional doctor. Some ethics surround the medical profession, and if, as a patient, you suspect that a doctor has broken them, you have the right to seek the counsel of a medical malpractice lawyer.
Medical negligence occurs when a doctor causes patient harm, whereby a competent doctor would not have, given the same conditions. We are all prone to illness and injury, and we always seek treatment. So, it is essential to know what you should do in case you encounter medical negligence.
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Change the doctor/facility.
If you suspect the doctor you are dealing with a negligent doctor, the first step you should take is to find another doctor or medical facility. That way, you will prevent any more harm from coming your way by correcting the mistake. The second doctor will review your medical records, examine you, and initiate the correct treatment to undo the initial doctor’s mistake. However, if there was no mistake and a misdiagnosis, he/she will provide you with the appropriate treatment for your condition.
As for the medical records
As a patient, you are entitled to your medical treatment records before you leave a facility. Request copies of your medical records as soon as possible since they will be important as evidence when filing for medical malpractice. Here is why they are essential; for instance, you are wheeled into the emergency room because you are experiencing chest pains. Your medical records indicate that there is a history of heart attacks in your family. Still, the doctor fails to do confirmation tests to rule out a heart attack and diagnoses you with anxiety, but later you are found to have suffered a heart attack. In that case, such information will be useful in proving medical negligence. So, ensure you request and keep your medical records.
Keep a record
As soon as you suspect medical negligence, write a record or journal of your health condition. Write down the symptom you are experiencing following medical malpractice. Note down if you have had to suffer other problems such as missing work or loss of income because of such a medical error and the bills you have incurred in correcting it. Generally, have a record of everything that is happening in detail since it will help you prove the accused doctor’s medical negligence as you seek compensation.
Consult a medical malpractice attorney
Medical malpractice cases can be complicated, so it is never advisable to try to represent yourself. Medical malpractice lawyers such as Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP can help you examine the situation and hold the negligent doctor liable for negligence and wrongdoings. Medical malpractice lawsuits are tricky, because they require that you jump through all kinds of hoops to determine liability and that takes significant resources and time. You cannot do this alone. You absolutely need the expertise and resources of a skilled medical malpractice lawyer to handle this type of injury claim.
Some victims have encountered situations whereby the doctor falsifies the medical records to avoid liability, which is why you should be very careful. Plus, the doctor will also hire a lawyer, which can reduce your chances of winning the case. So, it is best to seek a medical malpractice lawyer’s representation to counsel and help you pursue your rightful compensation.
