No one wants to think that they or their loved ones could be victims of something like medical malpractice. However, according to the National Institute of Health, medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only cancer and heart disease. If you or a loved one has been a victim of what you believe may be medical malpractice, it is important to be able to identify the signs. Keep reading to learn about five potential signs of medical malpractice and what you can do if you believe you have been a victim.
Wrong Medication or Dosage
If you were prescribed the wrong medication or given the wrong dosage, it could be a sign of medical malpractice. Be sure to speak up if you think this has happened, as taking the wrong medication or too much of a certain medication can have serious health implications. The first step is to contact your doctor and explain the situation. If they agree that there was a mistake, they will likely take steps to correct it. However, if you feel like your concerns are being dismissed or that the situation is not being handled appropriately, don’t stop there. Consult with a different doctor to get a second opinion and also think about pursuing a legal claim.
Misdiagnosed Condition
Misdiagnosis can have serious and potentially fatal consequences. If you believe that your condition was misdiagnosed, contact your doctor to discuss the situation. Acknowledge that a mistake may have been made and ask for clarification about why it happened. Again, if it is clear that a misdiagnosis occurred and not enough is being done to correct the situation, consider consulting with a different doctor and seeking legal advice from a personal injury lawyer.
Experienced an Avoidable Complication During Surgery
If you experience an unexpected or avoidable complication during a surgical procedure, this could be considered medical malpractice. It is important to contact your doctor to discuss the situation and determine what went wrong. You may need to consult with another expert in order to get a full understanding of the chain of events leading up to the complication. Ultimately, if it is determined that the complication could have been avoided, you may be entitled to compensation.
Harmed by Medical Negligence
If you feel that you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, it is important to take action. There are a few key signs that may indicate that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, such as if a foreign object was left inside your body after surgery, or if you have suffered significant physical or emotional injuries as a result of medical care. If you believe you have been harmed by medical negligence, it is important to gather any documentation related to your case and consult with a personal injury attorney to evaluate your legal options. Pursuing legal action can help hold responsible parties accountable and may also result in financial compensation for your injuries.
Failure to Receive Informed Consent
Informed consent is a process in which your doctor must explain the risks and benefits of any proposed medical treatment or procedure. If you are not given this information prior to undergoing a medical procedure, this could be considered a breach of informed consent, which is also known as medical malpractice. In order to protect yourself from such situations, always make sure to ask your doctor questions about the procedure and double-check that you fully understand any risks or potential complications associated with it. Should your doctor fail to provide sufficient information, consider speaking with a different doctor as well as a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
No one wants to think that they could be a victim of medical malpractice, but unfortunately, it is more common than most people realize. If you believe that you or a loved one may have been a victim of medical malpractice, it is important to be able to identify the signs and know what steps to take next. By being informed and taking action quickly, you can increase your chances of successfully holding the responsible parties accountable and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
