Being the victim of a healthcare professional’s mistake or outright negligence is the last thing any of us expects to happen. After all, the doctors and nurses we rely on to keep us healthy and provide expert care in emergencies spend years training and preparing for moments like these. They’ve also likely performed procedures like the one you recently went through countless times. We should be completely safe in their hands. Unfortunately, instances of medical malpractice happen every day.
In situations such as this, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your health concerns, emotions, and the legal process that follows, so you unintentionally make one or several medical malpractice mistakes that could hurt your case or delay the justice you deserve.
What are those mistakes, exactly? Let’s explore a few in today’s blog post.
Victims Make These Medical Malpractice Mistakes More Than You Might Think
- Not trusting your gut — All too often, victims of medical malpractice or their families dismiss situations where something just doesn’t feel right. Perhaps they disagree with a diagnosis, their recovery isn’t going as smoothly as they were told, or certain prescribed medication is causing additional complications. Rather than trust their instincts, they ignore the obvious and choose not to challenge the doctor’s authority. As unfortunate as it is to admit, doctors make mistakes. Therefore, you have every right to ask questions, refuse further treatment, and protect your rights when something has gone horribly wrong. The sooner you act, the better.
- Failing to document everything — Even if you are not in pain or feel that your injuries are minor, you must document every little detail of your experience. Evidence is proof that something happened. These include medical appointment history, prescriptions, conversations with doctors or nurses, your patient file, changes in your condition, pictures, videos, and any follow-up care. Documenting every detail goes a long way in providing proof of your injuries and giving you more control over what happens next.
- Assuming medical mistakes are part of the risk — Any medical procedure carries some level of risk. That said, there is a big difference between unavoidable risks and mistakes made due to a healthcare professional’s oversight or outright negligence. The people in charge of your care must meet the appropriate standard of care at all times. When they don’t, and you or a loved one is injured as a result, they should be held accountable.
- Not following correct medical advice after the incident — It is also a mistake to seek new treatment instructions but later skip appointments, ignore doctor’s orders, or stop treatment early. This medical malpractice mistake can not only hurt or delay your recovery, but it also gives everyone involved in your legal claim the impression that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claimed. We understand the frustration, fear, and distrust you might feel after the initial malpractice situation. This can make it harder to want to continue with additional treatments. But unless instructed otherwise by your lawyer, it is best to seek proper care.
- Giving statements to hospital representatives or their insurance company — Few medical malpractice victims realize they do not have to go into great detail or provide a recorded statement to insurance companies without legal representation. This is your attorney’s job. They will aggressively fight for the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more. This includes representing you in court, if necessary, negotiating with insurance companies, and counseling you on what to say and what not to say. So, when you receive calls, it is OK to say, “Please direct all questions to my attorney.”
- Settling too quickly — No one wants their personal injury case to drag on. And to be honest, many of the offers you may receive from the medical provider’s insurance company may sound really good. But in these instances, it’s best to rely on your attorney. Perhaps the settlement offer is solid and worth taking. But settling too quickly could leave you wishing you had fought for more.
- Not hiring a personal injury attorney — Medical malpractice claims are highly complex and should never be entered into alone. Your personal injury attorney knows how to navigate the complex laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry and will use this knowledge to hold medical professionals and facilities accountable for any negligence or malpractice that may have caused your injuries. You deserve specialized legal expertise to determine how this happened, who is responsible, and what should happen next. Never assume you can handle issues like this on your own. Call a lawyer.
As common as medical malpractice cases are, that does not make them any less traumatic, confusing, and complex for victims and their families. As a result, mistakes can happen if you aren’t careful. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. Our goal is to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim. You deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, particularly for those navigating the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what is happening with your case.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!