4 Signs You May Have A Medical Malpractice Case
Learning a family member has a health condition or is undergoing a medical emergency can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. While you and your relatives are hoping and praying for complete healing, things can happen that affect your family member's ability to heal properly. In situations such as these, consulting an attorney may be necessary. Between 2005 and 2014, one percent of doctors were linked to malpractice suits that paid out settlements to families. Due to this, understanding if you have a malpractice suit on your hands is key. With this guide, you will learn the signs that you and your family may have a medical malpractice case.
Wrongful Death
Death is a natural part of the life cycle. However, if your loved one passes away unexpectedly while under the care of your doctor, you may have a wrongful death case.
Filing this claim will require some sort of proof that the doctor, staff, or hospitals did not provide the proper care for your loved one. If your loved one lost their life due to a delayed diagnosis, negligence, performing the wrong surgery, or administering improper medications or doses of medication, it could all warrant a wrongful death case.
Filing a wrongful death case with a malpractice attorney will not bring back your loved one, but it may be able to provide financial compensation to pay for medical and burial costs. In addition, if your loved one was the primary breadwinner of your family, the compensation could pay for their loss of income.
Surgical Errors
Surgeries are invasive procedures that should restore a person's health or prevent future health problems. Unfortunately, many surgeries create medical issues that could follow you through life.
Improper sterilization of surgical tools, inadequate or excessive anesthesia dosage, performing the wrong procedure, and even leaving tools and supplies inside the body are all common errors made on the operating table. These errors could cause minor issues, such as discomfort, or more involved problems, such as serious infections and chronic pain.
If your loved one has recently undergone surgery and is suffering with complications, contact an attorney.
Diagnosis From Lab Tests Only
Certain medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or strep throat, can be diagnosed through a urine test, blood sample, or swab. However, more serious conditions should require extensive testing that involves more than taking a few lab samples.
If a loved one was diagnosed with cancer, heart failure, or another serious medical condition or disease after just having lab work, you should contact an attorney. Doctors who offer a serious diagnosis after only a few minor tests are not properly practicing medicine. Not only will your loved one be receiving care for a condition they might not actually have, but the doctor is also not taking their health seriously enough to determine the exact medical issue.
Different Second Opinion
Your loved one should get a second opinion after they are diagnosed with their medical condition. A second opinion is important for confirming the disorder, but also for getting a second option for treatment. Unfortunately, different doctors may differ on their diagnosis or course of treatment.
If your loved one's second opinion is completely different from the first doctor's diagnosis or plan, you should schedule a consultation with a third medical professional. Allow this doctor to give their diagnosis or plan without hearing any past information from the previous doctors.
In a perfect world, all three doctors will give the same opinion, but that is not usually the case. If two out of three doctors offer the same diagnosis or plan, it is best to choose their route and then contact a lawyer to determine why the other doctor is not performing their job properly.
You most likely take your loved one's care seriously, but knowing the signs of malpractice is smart for protecting the family's physical, emotional, and financial health and wellness. With this guide, you will know if and when you should contact a malpractice lawyer.
Share