What Should I Do If I Think My Doctor Has Committed Medical Malpractice?

Sadly, medical malpractice is more common in the United States than any of us would like to think about. A Johns Hopkins study indicated that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. That means that more than 250,000 people in the U.S. die every year from medical errors, and other reports have claimed that the numbers are even higher.

There is no way around the fact that these statistics are scary. When we entrust a medical professional with our care, we expect that we will be provided with the treatment or improvement we have pursued care for. And when these expectations aren’t met, things can, unfortunately, go horribly wrong.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Malpractice occurs when a doctor doesn’t follow the standard of care and that oversight directly results in harm. Examples can include everything from misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis to prescription medication and surgical errors, and a number of other reasons.

Is Every Bad Medical Result Medical Malpractice?

Importantly, no. Just because a medical procedure did not have the desired or expected outcome or that the doctor made a mistake does not necessarily mean that the doctor committed malpractice in the administration of your care. Instead, it could be an instance of your body rejecting recovery or the result of an action that was within the standard of care for that medical profession. Many people can’t immediately tell on their own whether they have become the victim of medical malpractice, and this is one reason that it is so important to understand the next steps to take if you have suspicions.

What Should I Do If I Think My Doctor Has Committed Medical Malpractice?

• Ask for your medical records. Ask for a copy of your medical records if you suspect that a medical professional has committed medical malpractice. This will help ensure that your next steps, such as visiting another doctor and even pursuing your legal options go more smoothly as this evidence will already be secure.
• Visit another doctor. If you need some kind of corrective treatment, seek it from a different physician. The new physician can take a look at the treatment you have already been given from your medical records and then begin treatment to undo the damage that the first doctor has caused. Additionally, the new doctor can offer a second opinion if you suspect that your first doctor missed a diagnosis or diagnosed you incorrectly, and will likely be able to reassess you and provide appropriate treatment for your condition.
• Turn to an experienced attorney for help. If you believe a doctor has engaged in medical malpractice, it’s important to obtain legal help in order to preserve your options. Because this is such a complex area of law, it is essential to get advice as early as possible from a legal team that has experience handling medical malpractice lawsuits. As the West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we can investigate your case and help you determine whether you are a victim of medical malpractice. To start pursuing your claim before the statute of limitations expires, reach out for help today.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Jacksonville, Ocala, Bradenton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa and Daytona Beach area.

Resource:

hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/study_suggests_medical_errors_now_third_leading_cause_of_death_in_the_us

https://www.pendaslaw.com/understanding-and-preventing-dog-bite-attacks/