Hearing the term “medical malpractice” can evoke many a frightening thought. After all, no one wants to be unnecessarily harmed when they or a loved one are supposed to be in a healthcare professional’s knowledgeable, competent, and expert hands. Perhaps more alarming is the harsh belief that there is very little you can do to protect yourself in such a scenario.
While all of these concerns are true, you can take steps to reduce risks and advocate for your safety.
First Things First—What Is Medical Malpractice?
The National Library of Medicine defines medical malpractice as “any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.” This can include everything from surgical errors in the operating room to medication errors at the local pharmacy, delayed diagnoses, and even birth injuries.
Unfortunately, personal injury cases such as these are more common than you might think. And even if a mistake or negligence does not lead to a fatality, they can cause serious harm to patients, including but not limited to the following:
- Long-term physical injuries
- Disabilities
- Chronic pain
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Infections or complications
- Loss of quality of life
- Other impairments
How You Can Protect Yourself or a Loved One
You do have more control over potential medical malpractice than you might think. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Do your research — Gone are the days when you or a loved one were forced to pick a doctor or hospital from a phone book. Online reviews, patient testimonials, doctor credentials, hospital ratings, and more can help you make the best decision for your needs.
- Be an active participant in your care — Doctors typically know best. After all, they have spent years studying and perfecting their craft. That said, do not hesitate to ask questions, speak up when something does not sound right, and ask for a second opinion. Keep track of your symptoms and changes in condition so that you can accurately describe what is going on to your doctor.
- Don’t take medications and prescriptions blindly — Confirm that you received the correct prescription and dosage based on your conversation with the doctor, and ask about potential side effects. Furthermore, give your doctor a detailed list of medications you are taking. This ensures they do not prescribe something that may not mix well with your current medications.
- Be knowledgeable — Before undergoing any procedure, ensure you know the risks and benefits, the route your doctor will take during the procedure, and the expected recovery time. If you are uneasy, ask for alternative treatment options.
- Bring a trusted advocate — If you are in a position where you need additional guidance, bring a family member or friend to ensure no question goes unasked. They can take notes for you, speak on your behalf, and speak up if something seems incorrect.
- Know your legal rights — If you suspect medical malpractice, take action immediately. Document everything, including dates, times, treatments, conversations, etc. Report serious concerns to the state medical boards and hire an attorney.
In conclusion, please do not hesitate to contact a medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been involved in one of these horrific claims. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with outside medical specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your 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, especially for those dealing with the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what is going on with your case.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!