Virtually everyone turns to medical practitioners to help them to manage health issues. For the most part, they get the help that they need. But, sometimes things go wrong. When that happens, some people end up feeling worse than they did when they first sought help.
Usually, that is because someone within the medical community has failed them in some way. In that situation, there is a good chance that it will be necessary to file a medical lawsuit to secure compensation. Money you will need to help you to heal. Or, if that is not possible cope with disabilities and symptoms that mean you have to change the way you live. Below, are some facts and tips to help you to work out whether you do indeed have a case.
The definition of medical malpractice
If a doctor or other healthcare provider has failed to act, or has not acted appropriately, while treating you that is likely to be seen as medical malpractice. Unfortunately, this happens more than most people realise. Every year, 100,000 Americans die as a result of medical negligence and many others are hurt.
The basic criteria
To be able to bring a case you will need to demonstrate that you have an existing medical practitioner-patient relationship. You will also need to be able to submit some proof that they were negligent. In other words, you will have to demonstrate that another medical professional working in the same field would have acted differently.
It will also be necessary to demonstrate that the negligence of the medical practitioner led to your injury. Be that physical or mental. Or that their actions led to your having to spend additional money on medical costs.
The different type of medical negligence
Usually, your case will have to fall into one of several categories. Either a failure to diagnose, treat properly or warn the patient of risks.
Can you provide evidence?
All of this needs to be proven. So, you need to sit down and recount the series of events that led up to your being injured. As you do this, think about what evidence may exist. Who was present, what tests were done, what documents might there be that your lawyer could use.
Going through this exercise will help you to recall more and come up with compelling evidence. It is also an excellent way to prepare yourself for the process that is to come. The more organised you are and the more you can remember the easier it will be for your lawyer to put together a successful case.
How to seek help
If, after reading this, you are still not sure if you have a case, you really should just ring a medical malpractice lawyer. Most practices offer a free initial consultation. So, you really have nothing to lose by picking up the phone or having a live chat with a law firm that has experience of dealing with medical negligence claims.
Now, all you have to do is to find lawyers to speak to. This short article explains how to do that.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
