Medical malpractice is a very dreadful issue as it causes devastating effects for the patients and their families. This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver appropriate care, thus causing the patient harm or injury. Shocking statistics reveal the depth of this problem. The researchers at Johns Hopkins came out with the revelation that deaths due to medical errors might be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and comprise 9.5% of annual deaths in the U.S.
Considering the generally satisfactory experiences in healthcare, medical errors still lead to permanent damage. More significantly, this is true for severe conditions like coronary artery disease; improperly handled cases can lead to disastrous outcomes, including heart attacks, strokes, and even deaths.
This means huge consequences for clinicians who fail to provide standard care; they are sued. Indeed, 1 in 3 clinicians get sued, with time and money, though 80% of trials favor physicians. A sad case of medical malpractice resulted in a $6.4 million jury award. A 66-year-old man died from an aortic dissection due to negligence by radiologists and emergency physicians.
As the number of medical malpractice cases rises, patients must know what medical malpractice is and how they can maintain safety. Consulting with a Louisville medical malpractice attorney is ideal to be considered if someone considers himself a victim. This guide provides a detailed outline of medical malpractice, with definitions, several types, and steps victims can follow to find justice.
Seeking Legal Help for Victims of Medical Malpractice
If you think you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice or medical negligence, you should seek the legal help of an experienced attorney. A lawyer, experienced in medical negligence cases, can help determine if you have a valid claim and guide you through the respective legal process. They can handle all communication with the healthcare provider’s insurance company so that you can focus all your efforts on your recovery. There is a time limit to file a medical malpractice claim, so seek legal advice sooner rather than later. A lawyer will guide you through the best way to handle the situation and protect your rights in court.
What are the different types of medical malpractice?
There are many categories of medical malpractice with their very unique circumstances and outcomes. Misdiagnosis is the most common medical malpractice, where a healthcare provider fails to correctly diagnose a patient’s condition or disease. This often results in delayed or incorrect treatment that worsens the patient’s condition. The other type of medical malpractice is surgical errors that include performing surgery on the wrong part of the body or failure to remove surgical instruments from the patient’s body. Other typical forms of medical malpractice include medication errors, birth injuries, and anesthesia errors, which can also considerably cause harm to a patient.
Signs and Symptoms of Possible Medical Negligence
It is often very difficult to identify if you have become a victim of medical malpractice because healthcare providers are supposed to commit a small number of mistakes every once in a while. However, some potential red flags might indicate some form of possible medical negligence. These are complications either from a procedure that no one had foreseen or was so serious following a medical procedure, aggravation of existing conditions following proper adherence to treatment plans, and injuries or infections one cannot explain for having obtained them. Other symptoms may include a lack of communication or transparent relations between the healthcare provider and you concerning your care and results. In case you find any, it is advisable to seek legal advice and investigate further to determine if it is medical malpractice.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
You are even advised to seek legal redress if you feel that you have been a victim of medical malpractice. Begin by collecting all hospital documents such as test results, treatment plans, and communications with physicians. Next, consult an attorney experienced in handling similar cases and let them review your case while taking you through the best course of action. File a complaint to the relevant medical licensing board or professional association for making a complaint and getting the relevant medical practitioner held accountable. Lastly, document all costs and losses incurred due to the potential medical malpractice as a form of evidence in your case.
Preventing Medical Malpractice
Being aware and involved in health care can enable patients to be proactive against medical negligence. This is achieved through the search of healthcare providers before visiting a facility, questioning proposed treatments and procedures, and seeking a second opinion when needed. In addition, a patient should document all communications with the health provider and their visits. Also, adopting virtual care solutions such as virtual medical receptionists can help improve communication and reduce errors while encouraging better coordination.
Importance of Documentation in a Medical Malpractice Case
Documentation in a medical malpractice case is relevant as it serves to establish proof of harm or injury resulting from the alleged medical negligence. With this, detailed records of all the appointments, the various treatments followed, and communications can establish exactly what the standard care should have been and whatever deviation there might be from the same. The observation record can also help identify the timeline of the progression of symptoms or conditions before and after when the alleged medical malpractice took place. That information would strengthen the case and be used for bringing a recompense to the victims. It keeps track of the amount of expenses and damages that can be used to seek compensation regarding financial losses and save on health costs associated with such medical errors.
Conclusion
Medical malpractice is a very serious issue that may result in many unfortunate outcomes for patients. Patients should understand what it entails, the different types, and how they should protect themselves from potential medical negligence. Seeking legal help and documenting all the relevant information presented are significant steps in pursuing justice and receiving compensation for damages. Being informed about their healthcare and engaged in it can equip patients with proactive means to prevent such a situation and ensure their safety.