When we seek medical treatment, most of us expect our medical provider to abide by a certain standard of care. We expect to seek the care we need and receive it. We expect help and healing – not harm. These expectations are reasonable, and fortunately, in the majority of cases, this turns out to be the case. Unfortunately, however, sometimes things go wrong. Sometimes those we trust to help us, actually do end up causing us harm. Being the victim of medical malpractice can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, to say the least.
What do you do if you suspect medical malpractice? It’s an important question to ask, and if you believe you have been a victim, you should take action immediately. Doing so will help to ensure that you can pursue your case effectively and move forward toward a better and brighter chapter ahead. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Seek a Medical Evaluation: If you believe that you may be the victim of medical malpractice, it is always wise to seek an evaluation from another doctor as soon as possible. An independent doctor who was not involved in your initial care and treatment will be able to objectively look at your circumstances and give you a reasoned medical opinion as to whether or not medical malpractice occurred. That doctor may also be able to provide you with a treatment plan as you move forward and try to heal. Seeing a second doctor as soon as possible is essential to prevent your condition from worsening as a result of the first doctor’s mistakes.
- Obtain Copies of Medical Records: Medical records are usually extremely valuable evidence in a medical malpractice case. Typically, they will contain very helpful information such as your medical history, test results, diagnoses, medications, and the treatment you have received to date. In many instances, they can be used to establish instances of misdiagnosis or overlooked test results. They may also contain helpful statements and doctor notes that can be used to help prove causation in your case. Your attorney will be able to review your records with you and help to determine how they may best support your case as you move forward.
- Avoid Talking to Other Involved Parties: This advice is important, as medical malpractice law can often be particularly complex. You may be putting your case at risk if you speak to other involved parties without the presence of your attorney, and it is best to just avoid doing so altogether. You may be contacted by healthcare providers or insurance companies – if so, simply refer those parties to your attorney. Don’t provide information, don’t answer questions, and don’t discuss your case in any way. Doing so could be a costly mistake. Allowing your attorney to handle these matters will reduce your stress and allow your case to move forward as it should.
- Find and Retain an Experienced Attorney: This advice is essential. The importance of finding and retaining a knowledgeable and experienced attorney when you believe that you have suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice can’t be overstated. As with many areas of the law, medical malpractice can be complex, and you need an attorney who understands the law and can put that knowledge into practice to fight for you. Finding the right attorney can make all the difference between a smooth and successful legal experience and a stressful one. Be sure to choose carefully.
RODEN LAW – HERE FOR YOU
If you believe that you may have been the victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait to take action. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to gather essential evidence that will be helpful to your case. Acting quickly is important, and you need a legal team on your side that can pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. At Roden Law, we are that team. Our talented and experienced team of medical malpractice attorneys is ready to help, and there’s no time like now to get started. Call us today to discuss your case and learn how we might be able to help. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
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