For the most part, medical professionals are highly-skilled and honest individuals who treat patients to the best of their ability. However, accidents and errors do happen, and there are around one million medical injuries reported each year. You must know what to do if you believe that you have received negligent care from a healthcare professional like a doctor. Here are the steps that you should take if you suspect medical malpractice.
Transfer to a new doctor
When you suspect medical malpractice – i.e., you believe that your doctor has misdiagnosed you or offered incorrect treatment – your health should be your top priority. With that in mind, your first action should be to find a new doctor that you trust. The new doctor will review your medical records, assess your health condition, and should be able to identify any mistakes made by your previous doctor. They can then offer you treatment to correct the medical mistake and resolve any health complications. You can look at trusted websites like Healthgrades and WebMD to search for reputable medical professionals and compare qualifications and patient feedback online. You can contact your health insurance provider for a list of qualified doctors in your local area.
Request a copy of your medical records
If you suspect a medical error, then you should request copies of your medical records straight away. These documents will be essential in bringing a case for medical malpractice and proving that an error was made. You can request a copy of your medical records by contacting the doctor’s surgery, hospital, or clinic where you were treated. It is a good idea to apply for your medical records before you bring a medical malpractice claim. Although unlikely, this will eliminate the risk of medical records being amended or falsified. You should keep a record of your symptoms, along with details of any financial losses such as unpaid leave or medical bills resulting from the medical error.
Seek expert legal advice
You must seek expert legal advice if you believe that you have received negligent medical care. Do your research and find clear and detailed medical malpractice lawyers who specialize in representing people who have experienced medical negligence such as birth injuries, diagnostic errors, or surgical errors. A professional lawyer will be able to offer you expert advice on the process involved with bringing a medical malpractice claim. They will support you throughout the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Ensure that you book a consultation with your lawyer before you sign the contract to meet them in person and ensure that they will be a good fit.
Avoid speaking to any other parties
When you bring a medical practice claim, you should avoid contacting any other parties such as the doctor or healthcare facility that is accused of negligence. You should also avoid posting anything relating to the case on social media sites like Facebook. Leave communication to your lawyer and avoid doing anything that could jeopardize your case.
