How to Know If You May Be a Victim of Medical Malpractice
Every day, patients place their trust and their lives in the hands of medical professionals. Doctors, nurses, sugeons, radiologists, and other medical specialists are entrusted with something sacred-your health and well-being. Sometimes, these same professionals make errors in judgement or fail to perform the necessary tasks such as proper and timely diagnosis, thorough treatment, or properly prescribed medication. When these medical errors occur, they may be a result of medical malpractice. In such situations, it is imperative to speak with a medical malpractice attorney promptly in order to evaluate your situation. But, how do you know? Are there indications that you may be a victim of medical malpractice?
Fortunately, there are signs that medical malpractice may have occurred during the course of your treatment. Some of the more common indicators include:
Your treatment isn’t working-this may indicate a misdiagnosis or an improper medication dosage. In either case, the underlying issue may have been left undetected and may indicate malpractice.
A serious condition was diagnosed with basic lab work-Doctors should use a range of tools to diagnose serious medical conditions. Failure to complete a thorough exam, or relying on only one or two basic diagnostic tests, can be a sign of negligence.
Failure to communicate-if your doctor dismisses your concerns or appears too busy to listen to your symptoms, this may be signs of a problem. Also, you have the right to have your questions and concerns addressed promptly and thoroughly, including treatment options.
An error was made during a treatment or surgery-the most obvious example is when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part or leaves behind a surgical sponge or instrument causing infection or other medical issues.
These are just some of the indications you may be a victim of medical malpractice. However, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who will be able to evaluate your potential claim.