When a physician, surgeon, nurse or other person providing healthcare services acts in a negligent fashion, the consequences to patients can range from mild discomfort and treatment delays to permanent damage and even death. Anyone can make a mistake, but when healthcare professionals fail to follow one or more established standards of care, then patients can experience a malpractice situation. Since it is often difficult to prove acts of negligence, it’s important that patients understand the main strategies for overcoming malpractice. If you or a loved one has experienced medical negligence, follow these tips:
Seek Legal Help
You should always speak with experienced medical malpractice lawyers like those at Obradovich Law before you do anything else. A lawyer can review your case and help you determine your options for addressing the event in a way that makes it difficult for the healthcare provider to harm someone else. A lawyer can also tell you if you have a case to receive compensation for your pain and hardship. Keep in mind that the time you have to file a lawsuit has a limit. As a result, seek legal counsel as soon as possible after the event.
Report The Incident
If a case of medical malpractice didn’t cause you or a loved one severe acute or lasting harm, you should at least report the incident at the local level within the healthcare system and/or report it to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Hospitals investigate any incidents that directly involve hospital personnel. The CPSO investigates complaints involving physicians and surgeons.
Write A Review
Online reviews are another option for at least warning the public, especially if you don’t have a legal case or missed the opportunity to file a lawsuit. Several online physician and surgeon directories allow you to rate doctors with stars and write a review about your experience. If the event involved treatment for a specific health condition, you should also consider warning other patients in online forums and support groups set up for those who have that specific condition.
Realistically, many obstacles can prevent a case of medical malpractice from ever coming to light. Hospitals bury error incidents. Patients often face an uphill battle that involves their word against the word of a respected medical service provider. These strategies help you overcome obstacles so that you can enjoy some sort of resolution that not only benefits you but also protects other patients from similar pain and suffering.
Author Bio: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston, MA. When not writing, she enjoys reading and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +
