You may think such a thing could never happen to you, but medical negligence is more common than you imagine. Whether it’s about a misdiagnosis, surgical failure, or improper medication, medical malpractice is a life-changing mistake. One which no one ever wants to deal with.
Unfortunately, you can’t stop such errors from occurring, no matter how cautious you are regarding your medical care options. This is because doctors are humans and can make mistakes sometimes. It may be frustrating and you may feel helpless, and angry at the one who caused such an unfortunate event. However, you need to take it easy – you’ll solve nothing if you’re reacting with negative emotions. Understandably, it’s hard to remain calm in moments like this, especially if you have serious injuries. You’re more than entitled to wish justice for what happened. Unfortunately, injuries take time to heal. So, does the healing and coping with your trauma. Sometimes physical pain is accompanied by emotional suffering – uncertainty, fear of trusting medical professionals again, and grief.
If you or a loved one were the victims of clinical negligence, it’s paramount to keep a cool head. Take steps based on reason. Here’s what we recommend to do in such situations:
If you suspect you were the victim of a doctor’s negligence, it’s essential to take action. As a first step, stop going to the same physician or healthcare center. Do not give an explanation to the health professionals there. Things will become clearer when another doctor evaluates you. But it’s imperative to stop receiving care from the clinician you suspect of medical malpractice until then. Because of the stress, you may forget important details like the name of the physician or medical staff, date and time, and dosages. If so, don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand explanations. After all, it’s your right to keep up to date with your health.
Don’t forget to request a copy of your medical records in the long run. If you have injuries due to clinical negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. However, evidence is crucial in this respect. Information like diagnosis, exam evaluations, lab results, prescribed medications, experienced symptoms, and even x-rays images should be available at your request. Make sure you don’t tell anyone the reason you want these records. After all, it’s your right to have access to them. Although it’s hard to believe, healthcare providers may employ records falsification to avoid liabilities.
If anyone refuses to help you in this regard, don’t take “no” for an answer. A simple written request is enough to obtain your medical records in most cases. Anyway, ensure you ask for the correct papers, you may need to request records from both a hospital and a physician’s office. Once you have the evidence, make sure it’s complete to go further with the legal proceedings.
We know that you may have trust issues after such a traumatic experience. However, you should put your health first and find a new doctor. What you need to know is that not all physicians are the same. Not even your previous doctor made this costly mistake on purpose or from lack of expertise – sometimes a moment of inattention is enough. One of the reasons we urge you to request your medical records is that another doctor has to see them. This can help determine what wasn’t working for you and thus correct the errors made by the first clinician. Your new doctor can also diagnose your current health issues using your medical history. Don’t be afraid to tell them of your previous experience, dosages, treatments, etc.
It’s crucial to have another medical opinion to prove the first doctor’s negligence. Otherwise, you’re unlikely to get compensation for your loss. Sometimes, more than one review is required, so make sure you’re well-informed before making a claim.
After you’re sure you’re in hands (medically speaking), it would be advisable to allow an attorney to fight for your rights. Medical negligence cases are usually difficult to prove. Especially, given that you’re dealing with a healthcare professional. But don’t get discouraged. If you’re 100% sure that you were the victim of medical malpractice. Gather the evidence you need, and don’t be afraid to sue the responsible party. With the help of a qualified, experienced lawyer, you’re more than likely to win the case and get compensation for your losses. Ensure your attorney is well-versed in medical negligence to negotiate for a fair settlement.
You may not be familiarised with the medical malpractice laws, and it’s understandable. That’s why it’s recommended to call an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice. ReviewOfSolicitors.co.uk, for example, can expertly guide you throughout the process while having your best interests at heart. It’s essential to hire professionals in such a complex case. This can guarantee you receive proper compensation for your injuries. If you’ve suffered severe damage, the last thing you’re thinking about is getting involved in legal proceedings. But remember that medical recovery after such an unfortunate experience can be expensive. Compensation, in this case, proves to be helpful. Especially because it can help cover costs for physical or psychological therapy, medication, or surgery.
Now, it’s time to focus on your recovery. Take whatever time is needed to get your life back on track after such a traumatic event. While your lawyer takes care of the legwork of your case, you should take care of your health. Adopt a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to minimize inflammation and speed up wound healing. At the same time, exercise may be helpful since it improves circulation and boosts mood. Everything that makes you feel good, even engaging in a new hobby, can help you cope with trauma and speed up your recovery.
At the same time, avoid contacting the at-fault physician and refuse correspondence with them. This can affect your mental health – so let your attorney handle all interactions with the opposing party.
