When people visit a doctor or medical facility for treatment, they trust these professionals to provide the highest level of care. Anything less can lead to serious health issues and other losses and expenses. Few people expect to sustain catastrophic injuries due to seeking medical treatment, but it happens when health care providers deviate from the appropriate standard of care. Discover a patient’s rights when faced with medical malpractice and how to start feeling better after being injured due to the negligence of health care professionals.
What is medical malpractice?
The victim of medical malpractice should understand what that means to determine if they might have a case. Medical malpractice is professional negligence by health care providers that leads to substandard care and treatment, resulting in patient injuries. These health care providers may include doctors, nurses, clinics, hospitals, or any other care provider. Patients who seek medical attention reasonably expect the care they get will make their condition better, not worse. When the standard of care is not met, medical malpractice occurs.
What are examples of medical malpractice?
There are many types of medical malpractice that worsen a patient’s condition rather than make it better. Common types of medical malpractice include prescribing or administering the wrong medications, anesthesia mistakes, failure to diagnose chronic diseases such as cancer, failing to deliver a baby properly, and performing unnecessary surgery or incorrectly performing surgery. In addition, however, many other circumstances constitute medical malpractice, such as unsterilized equipment, misdiagnosis, and failure to obtain a patient’s consent before performing surgery or other invasive procedures.
What is the duty of care?
Every medical professional is responsible for acting with a specific duty of care to skillfully and competently perform in the way other medical professionals would in the same circumstances. Any variation from these procedures could be deemed incompetent and medical malpractice when the patient suffers unnecessary injuries. In addition, medical malpractice ranges from minor to severe, sometimes resulting in a patient’s death. Plus, patients who survive may have new injuries or illnesses to endure they would not have otherwise suffered.
What can patients do when they are victims of medical malpractice?
Victims of medical malpractice are often surprised by the circumstances and unsure how to assert their rights. Thus, medical malpractice victims must seek immediate legal assistance. An experienced lawyer understands the criteria to establish medical malpractice cases and helps victims gather the facts to prove their case. Plus, lawyers typically work with a team of knowledgeable professionals, such as nurses, to evaluate these cases effectively.
What can a lawyer do for medical malpractice victims?
Once a medical malpractice victim determines they have a case, a lawyer works to prove the facts. Medical professionals have insurance companies to protect their rights, and they want to pay out as little as possible when victims prove the facts. A lawyer understands the value of the case to get victims the compensation they deserve rather than settling for a lowball offer.
If you are the victim of medical malpractice, you don’t have to suffer without compensation for your injuries. Consult with an experienced lawyer today to find out your rights and get someone fighting on your side. With proper legal representation, victims have an opportunity to take care of themselves and feel better in the future.
