Don't Ignore the Warning Signs of Medical Malpractice

Knowing the warning signs of medical malpractice can empower you to take legal action against negligent healthcare providers.

By filing a medical malpractice claim, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses and ensure that doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who failed to uphold the expected standard of care are held accountable. This blog post discusses common red flags to watch out for and highlights the importance of seeking help from a qualified medical malpractice attorney.

Understanding Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical provider deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient. This deviation can be due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.

Examples of Medical Malpractice

Here are some examples of situations that might constitute medical malpractice.

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to diagnose a medical condition accurately or delaying a diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and worsening of the condition.

• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery can include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or performing a procedure incorrectly.

• Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication, administering the wrong dosage, or failing to consider a patient’s allergies can lead to adverse reactions and complications.

• Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes during anesthesia administration can lead to breathing difficulties, heart problems, brain damage, or even death.

• Birth Injuries: Errors made during childbirth can cause serious, and even fatal, injuries to both mother and baby.

Warning Signs of Medical Malpractice

Not every bad medical outcome constitutes malpractice. Sometimes, unforeseen complications arise during treatment, despite the best efforts of healthcare providers. The following red flags might indicate that your injuries were caused by medical malpractice.

Miscommunication or Lack of Informed Consent

You have the right to understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and the risks involved in any medical procedure. If you feel uninformed or pressured into making a decision, it's a cause for concern.

Unnecessary or Incorrect Treatment

Undergoing unnecessary procedures, receiving excessive amounts of prescription medications, or receiving the wrong treatment altogether can be a sign of medical malpractice.

Sudden Decline in Health After a Medical Procedure

If your condition worsens unexpectedly after a medical treatment, or you experience complications not typically associated with the treatment you received, it's crucial to seek further evaluation to determine the cause.

Doctor Dismisses Your Concerns

A competent medical professional should listen to your concerns and address them seriously. If your doctor dismisses your worries without proper investigation, or seems hesitant to discuss your condition and treatment options, it might be a red flag.

Change in Diagnosis

Significant changes in diagnosis, particularly after a negative outcome, might warrant further investigation. There may have been errors in the initial assessment performed by your medical provider.

Medical Records Discrepancies

If there are discrepancies between your recollection of events, and what's documented in your medical records, it’s likely cause for concern. 

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you suspect that medical malpractice has caused you or your loved one harm, here are some crucial steps to take.

1. Seek a Second Opinion. Consulting another medical professional for a different perspective can provide valuable insights.

2. Gather Medical Records. Request and collect copies of all your medical records related to the suspected malpractice.

3. Document Everything. Keep detailed notes of your medical history, symptoms, treatment timeline, and any conversations with healthcare providers.

4. Contact an Attorney. An attorney at a medical malpractice law firm can review your case, assess if malpractice occurred, and advise you on your legal options.

When to Talk to a Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you suspect medical malpractice has caused you or your loved one harm, consider discussing your situation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. A lawyer will investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary.

Here are some situations where seeking legal counsel is advisable:

• You suffered a serious injury or illness after a medical procedure.

• Your doctor failed to diagnose a critical condition, leading to additional complications.

• You experienced significant side effects from medication errors.

• A loved one suffered permanent injury or death due to suspected medical malpractice.

Don't Suffer in Silence

Medical errors can have a lasting impact on your life. By recognizing the warning signs of medical malpractice and taking legal action right away, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Filing a medical malpractice claim will also help make sure that negligent or reckless healthcare providers are held accountable for their actions or inaction.