Whether we’re visiting our local doctor for a simple prescription or heading into the hospital for surgery, there are various times throughout our lives when we put our safety into the hands of medical professionals, believing and hoping that they will take care of us to the best of their abilities. In the vast majority of cases, that’s exactly what happens, but sometimes, mistakes are made and negligent or reckless behavior on the part of doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals can lead to devastating consequences. One recent study showed that medical errors accounted for 250,000 deaths per year in the US, making these errors the third-highest cause of death in the country. Those statistics make for distressing reading, leading to a greater general awareness of medical malpractice, but many people still aren’t sure exactly what to do if they suspect that they, or a loved one, have been involved in a case of this kind. If you believe that medical malpractice has occurred, here are some do’s and don’ts to help you handle it the right way.
Do: Learn as Much as You Can
One of the best ways to be better prepared to deal with a possible case of medical malpractice is to educate yourself, understanding the definition of medical malpractice, and knowing some possible situations in which it is likely to occur.
It’s important to note that medical malpractice isn’t just limited to doctor’s offices or operating theaters. It’s a broad term, covering everything from delayed treatments to bad diagnoses, surgical errors, and general hospital negligence too. The more you know about it, the more easily you’ll be able to recognize possible situations in which malpractice may have occurred. Too often, people ignore these cases due to their lack of understanding about what constitutes medical malpractice.
Don’t: Wait It Out
Too often, people hesitate in these kinds of situations. It’s normal to be a little anxious or concerned, especially if you’ve been suffering physically or mentally due to possible medical malpractice, or you may even be grieving due to the loss of a loved one and suspect that negligence may have played a role in their death.
However, it’s important to act quickly and get in touch with an attorney. These cases can be very complicated, so having an experienced, qualified lawyer on your side will greatly improve your odds of a successful outcome. Be sure to find an attorney who has dealt with these kinds of cases before, as they’ll be fully aware of the ins and outs of medical malpractice and be able to advise you on the best action to take.
Do: Request Medical Records
One of the first things to do in a situation where you suspect a possible case of medical malpractice is to request copies of all your medical records. These records could prove to be integral in building up your case and being successful in the legal proceedings that follow.
Your medical records should contain all the details you need on tests, medications, diagnosis information, family conditions, and more. Your attorney may be able to use this information in various ways to show that a medical professional has behaved in a negligent or reckless way, potentially putting your life in danger in the process.
Don’t: Make Contact with Anyone Except Your Lawyer
Once you have an attorney, be sure to make them your first point of contact for everything related to the case from that point on. They’ll handle any negotiations or communications with other parties, like the defendants and their lawyers, so you have no need to get in touch with anyone else. If they contact you, you’re under no obligation to respond and should speak with your attorney first to get their advice.
You should also try to avoid discussing the case with friends and family or sharing information on social media. Even if you try to keep it private, there are ways for online posts and messages to be found out, so it’s best to simply keep quiet and run everything past your attorney for their approval before communicating with anyone else.
Conclusion
Being a victim or having a loved one who falls victim to medical malpractice can be a deeply distressing and life-altering situation, but you don’t have to suffer through it in silence. Medical malpractice lawyers can help, so if you believe that a case of malpractice has taken place, be sure to follow the tips above and take action immediately.
