We all go to the hospital with one motive; to get better. But, what happens if the opposite happens, and the cause is negligence on the doctor’s side? Of course, there is so much pain that one goes through, both physical and emotional. And worse yet, some people have even died due to medical malpractice.
Being a victim of medical malpractice is a hurtful experience. And for this reason, you have all the right to seek justice. The big question is, how do you go about it? Read on to find out
- Do not contact the hospital
After suspecting a medical malpractice case, do not contact the hospital. In as much as you might feel the urge to do so, hold yourself back. Confronting the hospital and letting them know of what you are suspecting may alter your case altogether. And, some hospitals may even tamper with your records before you get them.
Keep in mind that hospitals will do anything to protect their image, and anyone who wants to ruin it may be on the receiving end. Therefore, never let them know of your moves at all.
- Gather all evidence
To have a strong claim, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible. The first thing that you should do is get all your medical records and put them together. Get all the records from the day you started treatment. This way, one can be able to follow up and identify where the negligence happened. Also, do not forget to get your receipts as well. They will be of great help when it comes to getting compensation.
- Get medical attention
Your health should always come first. Before proceeding with the case, you need to seek medical attention. Find a reputable doctor and let them handle the matter. It would be best to have your medical history with you to enable them to see how the treatment process has been. This way, they can know where to pick up from. The doctor that treats you after medical malpractice may also guide you on whether you should proceed with the case or not. They are in a better position to identify medical malpractice cases, all thanks to their experience.
An experienced doctor can be able to tell exactly where the other doctor messed up and can even refer you to some law firms such as Powers & Santola LLP, where you can find the best medical malpractice lawyers.
- Hire a medical malpractice
After being sure that you are dealing with a medical malpractice case, the next step is to now hire a medical malpractice attorney. To find the right attorney, gather referrals and read online reviews.
Medical malpractice cases are not the easiest to deal with, and for this reason, you need to find a lawyer who has a good reputation and is experienced in the same field. Also, note that due to the statutes of limitations, you need to find a lawyer fast. You do not want to file a case later on only to find out that it can’t go through.
- Avoid talking about the case
One way to get through the hurt and pain you are going through is by talking to someone. But, you need to be careful who you talk to. Do not go around telling everyone you meet about your case, as it may jeopardize the outcome. Instead, you can talk to some of your close family members, your attorney or a therapist.
Take Away
If you suspect medical malpractice, you have all the right to seek justice. Now that you have gone through this read, you know the steps to take if you find yourself in such a situation.