6 Things to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

Medical errors are a significant public health issue in the United States.

It is estimated that preventable medical mistakes are one of the top 10 leading causes of death. The financial costs of medical malpractice are also staggering. Approximately $184 billion is spent annually on medical malpractice payouts nationwide. 

A few states bear the brunt of medical negligence costs. The top 10 states with the highest medical malpractice expenses account for about $135 million, nearly 80% of all medical malpractice spending in the country. These states include West Virginia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Maryland, and Massachusetts, as well as Alaska and Connecticut, which are tied. 

If you or someone you care about may have been affected by medical malpractice, Adam Zayed, an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Chicago, explains the essential steps to take to protect your rights.

Document Everything To Support Your Medical Malpractice Case

You must keep detailed records of all medical appointments, procedures, medications prescribed, conversations with doctors and nurses, and anything related to your care. You should also document any errors, complications, or injuries that occurred. Having thorough documentation will help support your case. Be sure to organize all records chronologically.

Get Multiple Medical Opinions

It’s a good idea to see other doctors and get second and third opinions on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and whether any mistakes were made. Their assessments could confirm if medical malpractice occurred. Make sure to get copies of all medical records and test results. Ask each doctor to provide a written report of their findings.

Talk to a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Consult with a qualified medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible after the incident. An attorney can review your case, advise if you have sufficient grounds for a claim, and guide you through the litigation process. Having legal counsel increases your chances of success. Research potential attorneys' credentials and malpractice case experience before selecting one.

Find Experts Who Can Prove That You Suffered Medical Malpractice

Medical expert testimony is crucial for proving malpractice. Your attorney can work with you to find reputable medical experts to assess your records and provide their professional opinion on whether the care you received met the standard protocol. Medical experts can also calculate economic and non-economic damages. Locate experts who specialize in your specific medical condition or procedure.

File Your Medical Malpractice Claim Before the Statute of Limitations Expires

Each state has time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing medical malpractice claims. These range from 1-6 years, depending on the state and circumstances. Be aware of your state's statutes and file your claim before the deadline. An experienced malpractice attorney will know the intricacies of the statutes and applicable exceptions. Do not delay consulting an attorney even if the incident just occurred.

Proving medical malpractice and getting compensation for injuries requires in-depth investigation, extensive medical records, expert testimonies, and strategic legal guidance. If you believe you or someone you love has suffered due to medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your potential malpractice case. You can get justice and recoup damages with the right evidence and legal support.