A quick Google News search and you will come across some prominent medical malpractice cases, many of them involving millions of dollars. There are stories of a musician suffering nerve damage from medical malpractice, cities forking over $100 million because of the failure of public hospitals, and even cases going all the way to the Supreme Court.
It’s remarkable how common medical malpractice is, often serving a blow to the overall industry because of diminishing public confidence.
Most of the time, you never think you could be the victim of such a thing – until it happens.
So, what do you do if you think your health has suffered because of an accident or negligence?
If you suspect medical malpractice, then here are five things you should do today:
1. Find Another Doctor Right Away
Once you suspect that your healthcare provider is guilty of medical malpractice, then you should not wait to seek another medical professional. Not only is this the safest thing for your health, it is a great step in your medical malpractice lawsuit.
By obtaining a second or third opinion on a particular health matter, or by gaining the advice of another specialist, you can be confident that your initial physician or medical provider was negligent or incorrect.
2. Submit Request for Medical Records
Now that you have made the decision to both leave the healthcare facility and file a medical malpractice claim, you need to submit a request to them for your medical records, which will then be transferred to your new physician or medical team.
Your records should be detailed, up-to-date, and complete. You don’t want a lot of missing or omitted information, aspects that may prove critical for your lawsuit or your medical needs.
3. Don’t Contact the Healthcare Provider
Outside of asking for your medical records, you should keep away from the doctor’s office, either for medical needs or informing them that you are filing a claim against them.
If you go for a second or third visit, then the defendant’s representatives can certainly ask the question: If you felt that your health was in danger, why did you bother returning for further attention?
Moreover, you never want to reveal that you are retaining the services of a medical malpractice lawyer.
4. Keep it Close to Your Chest
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit? Keep it close to your chest.
In other words, don’t announce your intentions on social media, don’t tell all of your friends and family, and, again, don’t tell the doctor or his staff about what you’re planning to do.
Remember, anything that could impact your medical malpractice lawsuit should be avoided, and this includes proclaiming to the world that you’re taking your general physician to court.
5. Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Finally, and of course, the most important step, you need to hire a lawyer.
The attorney should specialize in this area, have plenty of experience with these court cases, and fit within your budget.
While we all typically want to give the young guy a chance, a case like this is too serious to leave to a neophyte. This is why it would be best to go with a well-known and reputable law firm. It’s the only way.
Medical professionals are experienced, trained, and credited. That said, they’re not infallible, and mistakes do happen.
Unfortunately, since your health is at stake, you cannot really afford to just be passive and accept that an accident or negligence occurred. If you have been forced to sit on the sidelines, or your long-term health has been placed in jeopardy, then you should get what you’re owed and expect proper compensation.
It starts by obtaining the services of a medical malpractice lawyer.
