Going to the doctor is a source of anxiety for many people. We rely on medical professionals’ extensive education and expertise to give us sound advice and take our concerns seriously. Unfortunately, sometimes doctors fail to provide an appropriate level of care–leading to potentially life-altering injuries and even death. Medical malpractice lawsuits are an important part of holding providers accountable and ensuring that these mistakes are never repeated again.
Understanding Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or institution fails to provide patients with the appropriate standard of care, resulting in injury, illness, or death. This can include failure to warn of risks, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or mistakes during childbirth. In some circumstances, malpractice can be a slow burn. Years of complaints to a doctor, who neglects to perform the appropriate tests, then after getting a second opinion, it turns out that it was completely preventable all along. Others may be more immediate but go unnoticed until your daily functioning is impeded.
It’s true that doctors may be human and capable of mistakes, but when it comes to your health, the stakes are extremely high. Although you can’t predict when a doctor’s negligence may impact you, creating a paper trail will help in the event that you need to file a lawsuit. For example, it’s fairly common for patients to do extensive research on an illness that matches their symptoms, but their doctor refuses to perform the appropriate tests. They may have their reasons, but if that happens to you: speak up. Make sure that the practitioner makes a note that they refused to perform the requested test. They may go ahead and order the test instead, but if not, you have a record of their potential negligence.
The Importance of Coming Forward
Medical malpractice cases can be difficult, complex and require a high level of legal expertise to navigate successfully. Like with most personal injury cases, insurers will attempt to minimize the damages in an attempt to limit the amount paid to you. If you’ve suffered harm as a result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering.
Going through the trauma of continuing treatment elsewhere or attempting to repair the harm caused can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is your right. Your doctor’s negligence may have turned a simple, inexpensive treatment into a life-long battle for your health. Holding them accountable will not only give you the opportunity to claim compensation, but it could also prevent these situations from happening to someone else.
Taking Back Control
It’s completely understandable to feel helpless in this situation, but working with an attorney will improve your chances of a positive outcome. As soon as you learn that a medical practitioner has caused you harm, work with your attorney to gather all relevant medical records and evidence. This may mean performing a deep dive into your medical history, because an expert will need to review what happened to establish whether negligence occurred. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf for the largest possible payout.
While no amount of money can undo the pain and suffering they have caused you, the compensation you receive can ease the financial burdens caused by the incident. After the trauma you’ve experienced, you deserve to work with an attorney who understands your situation and treats you with the respect you deserve. If you or someone you love is a victim of medical malpractice, contact the office of Carla D. Aikens, P.L.C., for a consultation today by calling (844) 835-2993.
Carla D. Aikens, P.L.C.
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