Around 17,000 people in America file a medical malpractice lawsuit each year. But since 2006, the amount paid out on these lawsuits has dropped significantly.
If you report medical malpractice, you want your case to be successful. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about successful medical malpractice cases.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Make sure you know the territory. Cases of medical malpractice are not the same as complaints against doctors. A complaint is much more minor.
So, what qualifies as medical malpractice?
It occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from medical standards for patient care. This results in them injuring a patient.
These errors can occur throughout the course of medical treatment. They can happen during the diagnostic period and while treating the patient. Or it can happen during their aftercare.
And it isn’t just doctors who can commit medical malpractice. Anyone working in the medical profession can. This includes:
- Surgeons
- Dentists
- Psychiatrists
- Physicians and assistant physicians
- Nurses or nurse practitioners
- Physiotherapists
- Social workers working within the medical profession
- Osteopaths
- Chiropractors
- Occupational therapists
- Midwives
- Radiation practitioners
- Osteopaths
- Podiatrists
- Psychologists
- Optometrists
- Pharmacists
This means that medical malpractice might not take place in a hospital. So be on the lookout for it in any medically-related situation.
Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
This is rule number one. A medical malpractice lawyer will be able to guide you through the whole process.
In any legal procedure, it’s important to follow the protocol. This can help you make a stronger case. And it means you aren’t open to having your case picked apart.
A medical malpractice lawyer will be able to help you with all of this. They will also interact with the professional that your case is against. This avoids you accidentally weakening your case when communicating with them.
Check out some medical malpractice firms. Crowe & Mulvey, a medical malpractice law firm specializes in these kinds of cases. So they’ll be able to provide you with the best representation.
And follow your lawyer’s instructions. They’re there to help!
Keep a Record
Like with most legal cases, your best friend is evidence.
The best kind of evidence is either written or recorded. Throughout any medical experience try to get everything in writing. And keep a record of any documents you sign.
Even if you haven’t done this you can chase it up with the hospital later.
This will help to prove what exactly happened during your treatment. It means you can compare your doctor’s conduct with medical standards.
If something feels strange or wrong during your experience, mention it in an email or on a recorded phone call. This means you’ll have a record of the response to refer to.
If you don’t have records, take some time to think back through your experience. The more you can remember the better.
In particular, try to remember if there were any witnesses to particular conversations. They might be able to clarify what happened or who said what.
Don’t Wait Too Long
The statute of limitations also applies to medical malpractice cases.
This means there is a limit on how long you have to make your case. This varies depending slightly on where you live.
In some states, you have to make your case within 2 years. Others have a longer period of 6 years following the event.
The Bottom Line
Don’t wait around to file a medical malpractice case if you’ve been a victim of it. And to increase your chances of success, get a great lawyer on side.
For more information, check out our other blog posts.