Ever wondered what happens when medicine goes wrong?
Every day, thousands of patients become victims of medical malpractice. Negligent hospitals, doctors, nurses & providers put lives at risk. Unfortunately many of these patients are completely unaware that they’ve been victimized.
Medical malpractice is a huge problem that affects thousands of patients every year. And it can happen to anyone!
But did you know that there are certain signs you can look for to protect yourself?
By knowing what medical malpractice looks like, you can avoid becoming a victim and take action if something goes wrong.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- What Is Medical Malpractice?
- Common Types of Medical Mistakes
- How To Spot Medical Negligence
- Steps To Take After Mistreatment
- Patient Rights
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standards of care that is deemed acceptable by the medical community. This can include nurses, doctors, dentists, therapists and any other medical professional. For example, if a doctor gives you the wrong medication, they may be liable for medical malpractice.
However… it isn’t always that simple. To be considered medical malpractice, the mistake must cause some type of injury or death. Poor medical care that doesn’t result in damage to the patient does not qualify. Also, keep in mind that not every bad medical outcome is malpractice.
If you’ve ever received improper medical care as a result of negligence, you could be a victim.
Here’s what every patient should know…
A recent study by Johns Hopkins revealed that medical errors cause over 250,000 deaths each year. That makes negligent medicine the third leading cause of death in the U.S. only behind heart disease and cancer.
Deaths from healthcare provider negligence include:
- Surgeries performed on the wrong patient
- Patients given wrong medications (or the wrong dosage)
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Mistaken patient diagnosis
- Failed assisted suicides
That’s just a small sampling of what happens when medicine goes wrong. Patient injuries can also be just as devastating as patient deaths.
Common Types of Healthcare Provider Negligence
Healthcare provider negligence comes in many shapes and sizes. Some malpractice examples are more obvious than others.
You should watch out for…
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis is the number one reason why patients seek medical negligence lawyers. When a doctor gives you the wrong diagnosis (or takes too long to diagnose your condition) you lose valuable time to treat your illness.
Certain diseases can be fatal if not caught in time. Late detection of conditions such as cancer, heart disease & infections can cause irreversible damage to your health.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors are some of the most common medical mistakes made each year. Performing procedures on the wrong patient, leaving instruments in the body & unnecessary damage are just a few examples of surgical malpractice.
Medication Errors
Prescribing the wrong medication, dosage, or drugs that counteract with other medication can be harmful to your health. These negligent mistakes can cause severe injury to patients.
Birth Injuries
Medical negligence during childbirth can cause serious injury to both the mother and child. Improper use of medical equipment, emergency protocols & incorrect surgeries are just a few ways birth injuries occur.
These are only a few ways patients are harmed by medical malpractice each year. According to CBS News, diagnostic errors are the leading cause of medical death.
How To Spot Medical Negligence
Here’s the unfortunate truth…
Most patients don’t know when they’re being victimized. Patients are led to believe that bad medical outcomes are unavoidable. What they don’t realize is that there are certain signs you can look for.
Patients that have received subpar care should look out for…
- Sudden health deterioration (after receiving treatment)
- Complications that were not originally disclosed
- Second opinion gives completely different diagnosis
- Dismissed or ignored symptoms
- Slow recovery
If you experienced any of these scenarios, you could be a victim of medical malpractice. As a patient, if any of your gut instincts are telling you something isn’t right – it probably isn’t.
What To Do When Mistreated By a Medical Professional
So you think you might be a victim of medical malpractice? Don’t worry just yet!
The first thing you should do is confirm that medical negligence actually occurred. There are certain steps you can take to protect yourself.
Get A Second Opinion
This should be the first thing you do after believing you’re a victim. Another doctor will be able to confirm whether or not you received negligent care. Schedule an appointment with a new doctor to have your diagnosis and treatment reviewed.
Request Your Medical Records
As a patient, you are legally entitled to access your medical records. Your doctor’s office should provide you with paperwork that includes test results, evaluations & treatment.
Don’t Forget To Document Everything
Take notes. Write down a timeline of events and document everything related to your treatment. Symptoms you’ve been experiencing, conversations with your doctor and sudden changes to your condition.
Consult With a Medical Negligence Attorney
Don’t try to navigate medical malpractice on your own. Medical malpractice law is complex and you need someone on your side that understands it. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim. Look for medical negligence attorneys that offer free consultations.
Don’t wait too long to act. Medical malpractice has a Statute of Limitations (usually around 2 years). If you wait too long to file a claim, you could be barred from ever taking legal action.
Your Rights As A Patient
One thing most patients don’t know is that you have rights.
Everyone reading this article has legal rights as a patient. Your rights were created to protect you from becoming a victim of medical malpractice. Unfortunately, many patients are afraid to stand up for their rights as they don’t know what they are.
As a patient you have the right to:
- Informed consent. You have the right to be informed about any medical procedure you receive.
- Access your medical records. You have the right to access your medical history at anytime.
- Ask for a second opinion. You have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor.
- File a complaint. You have the right to file a complaint against negligent hospitals and doctors.
- Pursue financial compensation. If you were victimized by medical malpractice you have the right to seek monetary damages.
It’s time you learn your rights as a patient. They exist to protect you from medical malpractice.
Wrapping It Up
Medical malpractice is scary, but you can prepare yourself.
Every year patients are hurt or killed by medical negligence. Conditions going undetected, medication errors and unnecessary injuries are just some examples.
Remember…
Educate yourself on the types of medical malpractice. Know what to look for if you suspect negligence. Document everything and seek a second opinion. Finally, consult with a lawyer to discuss your options.
You have rights as a patient. Don’t let medical malpractice ruin your life.
