Generally speaking, most people place their full trust in their doctors, hoping they may get better after receiving treatment from them. However, medical professionals, like doctors and nurses, are just humans capable of committing mistakes. These situations are commonly referred to as medical malpractice.
Primarily, medical malpractice happens when the medical practitioner provides treatment to a patient that’s below the standard duty of care expected from them, which, in turn, causes harm to them. When this occurs, you may have to face several consequences, including the payment of medical bills, lost wages and capacity to earn a living, pain and suffering, and many more. Considering these losses, it’s crucial that you know what to do to protect your rights and interests.
So, if you suspect your doctor or another medical practitioner has committed medical malpractice against you, below are the four steps to take from the get-go.
1. Look For Another Doctor
If you believe you’ve been injured as a result of medical malpractice, the first step you’d want to take is to look for another doctor to correct the mistakes done by the first medical practitioner, even those committed during the preventive check-ups. The one you find may review your medical records and determine the right diagnosis and treatment for your medical condition.
By doing this, you’re able to make your health your primary priority. Also, when you’ve fully recovered, you can think about pursuing a legal action to protect your rights and get compensated for all your losses.
2. Seek Legal Counsel
Now that you’ve decided to file a medical malpractice claim against the doctor or medical professional who did you wrong, the next step is to hire a lawyer who can help navigate your case. Although pursuing a legal action may not necessarily require legal assistance, it may be within your best interests to work with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer from a reputable law firm, such as www.fuchsberg.com.
With this legal professional by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the case for you. They can assess the facts of your case and determine how you can obtain a favorable judgment. For instance, they may establish the presence of the essential elements of medical malpractice in your case to increase your odds of winning and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
3. Ask for A Copy Of Your Medical Records And Other Documents
As a patient, you may be entitled for a copy of your medical records for whatever purpose they may serve you best. But, more than anything, requesting for these official documents may play a crucial role in proving the medical malpractice committed by your doctor against you.
Generally, the medical records contain essential information, such as your medical history, the symptoms you’re dealing with, the laboratory tests and procedures performed, and many more. Hence, it’s important to obtain a copy of these records before the healthcare provider may have a chance to change your medical information to avoid liability.
Aside from the medical records, it may also be a good idea to document all the damages. For example, if you suspect you suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice, you may have to take photos of your injuries each day to keep track of their progression. By having proper documentation, you may have higher odds of winning your case and get the justice you and your injuries deserve.
4. File Your Medical Malpractice Claim Quickly
Typically, handling a medical malpractice isn’t an easy undertaking. That’s because you have to follow the time limits of filing which is applicable in your area. These limitations are also called the statute of limitations.
This means if you want to pursue a medical malpractice case against a doctor or a medical professional, you may need to file it within twelve months to safeguard your rights. If you’ll fail to bring a legal action within the required time period, the court may dismiss your case. As a result, you may lose your chances of receiving the right compensation for your injuries. To help you navigate the statute of limitations involved in your case, you may consider hiring a dedicated medical malpractice lawyer who has real trial experience and extensive knowledge of the medical evidence, as well as the personal injury law.
Conclusion
Indeed, being a victim of medical malpractice could be such a disappointing ordeal. This is especially true if you have no idea what to do and where to start. Therefore, if you suspect medical malpractice has been committed against you, keep these steps in mind to handle this situation more efficiently.
As a result, you may be able to run after the at-fault party, receive the compensation you’re entitled for, recover quickly from your injuries, and get your normal life back in no time.
