Medical errors kill around 251,000 people each year, with care providers making preventable mistakes in as many as 15% of all medical interventions.
Medical malpractice is when a patient receives negligent treatment that causes injury or harm. If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, there are important steps you should take.
Penny Hendy, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Louisville, shares five things to do if you suspect medical malpractice.
Document Everything Related To Your Medical Malpractice Case
If you suspect you have received negligent medical care, it is crucial to start documenting everything related to the case. Make notes about what happened during your appointments, including the date, healthcare providers involved, and any conversations. Save copies of your medical records, bills, and correspondence with healthcare providers. Also, write down the names and contact information of any staff or other medical professionals who witnessed the events. Thorough documentation will help support your case.
Get a Second Opinion From Another Medical Professional
Before accusing a healthcare provider of medical malpractice, it is wise to get a second opinion from another qualified medical professional. Share your concerns, provide your documentation, and get their objective opinion on whether medical malpractice may have occurred.
A second opinion helps rule out an honest mistake and builds your case if the second doctor believes malpractice occurred. Make sure to document the second opinion. Misdiagnosis is the most common type of mistake, with around 371,000 deaths each year attributable to misdiagnoses.
Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can advise if your case merits legal action. They will evaluate all the facts, evidence, and documentation to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. An attorney can also guide you through the complex legal process, handle communications with healthcare providers and insurers, and file the lawsuit on your behalf. It is best to consult experienced medical malpractice attorneys early to build the strongest case possible.
Report the Incident For Your Medical Malpractice Case
In addition to legal action, you may want to file an official incident report about the suspected medical malpractice. Reporting the provider to a medical board or licensing authority can trigger an investigation into their practices. You can also report incidents to patient advocacy organizations and hospital internal review boards. While reporting alone may not get compensation, it can help hold negligent providers accountable—median awards for medical malpractice range from $109k to $195k.
Seek Emotional Support While You Go Through Your Medical Malpractice Case
The trauma of medical malpractice can take an emotional toll. Seek support from loved ones, connect with others who have been through similar situations, or speak to a therapist. A support system can help you get through the stress of the legal process and recover from the physical and emotional impacts. Speaking out can also help prevent the same thing from happening to others.
Being the possible victim of medical malpractice can be frightening and overwhelming. However, taking proactive steps like documenting the details, getting expert opinions, hiring a qualified attorney, reporting the incident, and seeking emotional support will help you navigate the process. Being informed and assertive will give you the best chance at a just outcome. Protect yourself and your rights by knowing what to do if you suspect you have received negligent medical care.
