When you’ve been let down and injured by the doctors and the medical team you were supposed to trust, it’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions. From anger, frustration, desperation and of course, concern for the future. How will you pay your rising medical bills? Can you afford to take time off work? Will life ever be the same?
Usually when victims of medical malpractice are finding it difficult to answer these questions, they turn to legal advice. The world of personal injury law can seem terribly daunting and overbearing. From medical negligence and medical malpractice, to the different kinds of cases and even settlement variations – for information on hernia mesh lawsuit settlements amounts, click the link. However finding yourself a good personal injury lawyer will hopefully put your mind at ease and give you the confidence you need to go ahead with your case.
If you’re considering filing a medical malpractice case, check out your next steps below.
Speak with your medical team
If something has gone wrong, it’s always a good idea to see if the issue can be rectified or addressed, before you file your claim. Speaking with the medical team you have a grievance with gives them a chance to explain what went wrong, and also gives your doctor an opportunity to put things right, if possible. In many cases, you medical provider may offer remedial treatment free of charge in order to get your health back on track. Speaking with your medical team about what went wrong and why, might also help you come to terms with what happened and help you make an informed decision about filing your case.
Make yourself aware of the time limits
We know that deciding to go ahead with a medical malpractice claim isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. However, taking too long to decide could restrict the validity of your case. The statute of limitations is the period of time after an accident that you must file you case within. The statute of limitations varies between states. Generally the time limit to file a personal injury case is around 3 years.
Seek a medical assessment
In order to proceed with a medical malpractice case, you may find that you require a certificate of merit. This is document provided by another medical team, who will be able to determine whether or not your injuries were caused by or, are a result of medical malpractice. They’ll be able to see your medical records and be able to see whether or not your current medical provider failed to deliver the correct standard of care. If they are satisfied with your claims and your medical records support what you have stated, then they’ll release a certificate of merit which confirms your case is genuine.
Speak with an attorney
If you’re in any doubt or have further questions about filing a case, then seeking legal advice is probably the best option. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who specialises in medical malpractice.