Are You a Victim of Medical Malpractice? Here’s What to Do

A recent John Hopkins study has found that a shocking 250,000 people in the US die every year due to medical malpractice. It is the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer.

If you or a loved one has fallen victim to malpractice, here are few things that you need to do, to seek legal assistance.

1. Document Everything

It’s possible for records to get lost so it’s important that you record everything that happens to you.

Document important conversations that you had with your healthcare providers, and anything else you think that an attorney may need to know like date, times, and names of doctors and nurses.

This will help your case move forward a lot faster.

2. Request Your Medical Records

Medical records from your health care provider will be key evidence in for your case. You have the rights to get these records, and you shouldn’t have to give a reason for why you want them.

If anyone makes it difficult to retrieve your records, contact an experienced lawyer, such as those that work at the Decker Law Firm.

Review the records to make sure they are complete. They can be retrieved by giving the patient’s name of the records department of where they received their care.

3. Ask Questions

You have the right to know what’s going on with your health and body. Don’t be afraid to ask the nurses and doctors questions regarding your care.

Be direct and ask questions like “What’s going on?” or “Why is this happening?” They legally have to answer you.

4. Ask for an Investigation

In some cases, if the situation is serious enough, you can request an investigation of the healthcare facility.

The hospital most likely won’t share or publicize their findings so it might not benefit you in a way that you would like but, it can raise awareness about your case and you could get an explanation from the risk manager.

It might not help settle your malpractice case, but it will give you some peace of mind.

5. Hire A Lawyer Who Specializes in Medical Malpractice

Once you’ve done these necessary steps, it’s time to call a malpractice lawyer. If you don’t know a malpractice lawyer, call an attorney you trust for a referral.

A malpractice lawyer can tell you if you have a case, and also if it’s worth pursuing. It’s a long and complicated process, so in some cases, it might not be.

Often these lawyers will offer a free consultation to talk about your claim and offer you advice.

What To Do in the Case of Medical Malpractice

Thousands of Americans fall victim to medical malpractice every year. It’s important to take the initial steps before consulting an attorney so you can gather the necessary documents for the case. The attorney can tell you from there if it’s worth pursuing. The best thing is to take a deep breath and keep a clear mind.

Check out our blog for more information to help you get the money you’re entitled to!