Have You Been a Victim Of Malpractice? 5 Telltale Signs To Watch Out For
(DailyDig.com) – Although it may seem like medical malpractice is a common claim, only certain circumstances qualify for a malpractice case. For example, if ribs were cracked or broken during life-saving CPR, injured people generally cannot claim malpractice because of the urgency of the situation and the limited time to choose and implement an intervention. Here are some signs you may be a victim entitled to compensation, however.
Five Signs You May Be a Victim of Medical Malpractice
1. Your Condition Worsens
After receiving medical treatment, a patient’s condition should improve after the requisite recovery period. While all treatment protocols and procedures come with risk, there are cases where worsening conditions may be a sign of medical negligence or malpractice. This is especially true if a patient received an improper treatment plan or was prescribed an incorrect medication, an incorrect dosage, or acquired an infection directly related to a procedure.
2. Understaffed or Unsafe Facility
If the facility the patient received healthcare from was understaffed or unsafe, such as being unsanitary, then the patient may have the grounds to sue for malpractice. Understaffing at medical facilities can mean delays in treatment, late response to alarm bells, late or missed medication dosages, and so much more. These inconsistent treatment practices may contribute to a patient’s worsening condition.
3. Physician Doesn’t Believe You
If a patient contacts a physician and discusses symptoms, but the physician doesn’t believe the patient’s concerns, then the patient may be a victim of malpractice. Doctors are obligated to listen to all health concerns with an unbiased mind, so if a doctor ignores health concerns or doesn’t take the time to order labs and exams, they are being negligent in providing good healthcare.
4. Risks of Treatment Aren’t Explained
All medical treatments and procedures come with risks. A physician is obligated to explain both the benefits and risks of any procedure, as well as statistical possibility for either outcome. In most cases, a patient must sign a waiver stating they understand the risks. This is particularly true for those who received treatments that are novel or experimental since this would indicate the physician may be reckless, secretive or shady about with providing care.
5. Different Second Opinion
If a second physician gives a patient a very different second opinion and the patient’s condition has worsened because the first physician was not thorough, the patient may be considered a victim of malpractice. Never hesitate to seek a second opinion, especially if the first physician you see seems dismissive of your symptoms or concerns.
How to Get Help
Think you or a loved one may be a victim of malpractice? The best way to get help is to contact an attorney who specializes in malpractice cases. The attorney will interview you and, if they accept your case, will gather evidence and submit the case to the appropriate civil courts. Your or your loved one may be eligible for compensation for injuries, loss of wages, and pain and suffering associated with your health condition.
Contact a local malpractice attorney to learn more about your options.
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