We rely on medical professionals to treat us when we are sick or injured, but while the vast majority of patients don’t need to worry about receiving inadequate care, accidents do happen. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis or improper treatment, medical malpractice is more common than many might think, so it’s essential that you know exactly what to do just in case it happens to you.
Around 20,000 patients file medical malpractice lawsuits every year in the US, and if you become the victim in one of these cases, Pennsylvania state law gives you the right to seek compensation for your losses. The challenge is that in order to do that, you need to be able to identify the signs so that you can decide if and when you should seek the help of a legal professional.
If you or someone you love suspects that they are the victim of medical malpractice, here is everything you need to know about how to identify medical negligence and when you should contact a lawyer.
When Should You Seek Legal Help for Medical Malpractice?
You should seek legal help as soon as you realize that you may be the victim of medical malpractice. These types of cases can be incredibly complex and require a lot of lengthy legal proceedings, so the longer you wait, the longer it will be before you can get the compensation you deserve.
Medical malpractice cases, like any other case, are also heavily dependent on the evidence that you can gather. This evidence generally includes medical records, personal memories, and witness testimonies, all of which can be altered or lost as time passes. This means that it is crucial to seek legal representation as quickly as possible to avoid losing any valuable evidence that could help you win your case.
Signs That You Might be the Victim of Medical Malpractice
Unlike many other types of personal injuries, medical malpractice can be difficult to spot. While some cases may be obvious right away, there’s a good chance that you could go days, weeks, or even months before you realize that something is wrong.
Whether you suspect that you are the victim of medical negligence or simply want to be prepared just in case, here are some common signs of medical malpractice that you should look out for.
Your Prescribed Treatment Isn’t Working
If you receive care for an illness or injury but the treatment you receive doesn’t seem to be working, this could be a sign of a misdiagnosis or improper treatment plan, both of which could be medical malpractice.
Your Doctor Only Performed Basic Medical Tests
Some serious medical conditions require a lot more than basic medical testing to diagnose. If you suspect that you have a serious illness or injury but the doctor refuses to order anything other than basic lab tests, this is another sign that they may not be taking your condition seriously enough to properly diagnose you.
Your Treatment Doesn’t Match Your Diagnosis
On the other hand, if you suspect that your medical condition is relatively common but your doctor still orders serious invasive procedures or medication with severe side effects to treat you, this could be another sign that you are the victim of medical malpractice.
You Received a Second Opinion that Doesn’t Match Your Initial Diagnosis
Receiving a second opinion from another reputable medical professional can go a long way to determining if your original diagnosis is correct. If you find that your second diagnosis doesn’t match your original one, this is another sign that your doctor failed to uphold their responsibility to do their job correctly.
You Developed New Symptoms After Surgery
Invasive surgeries always come with some level of risk, but if you develop new symptoms that you were unaware could be a possibility beforehand, it could be due to a negligent mistake on the part of the surgeon.
The Hospital You Received Care at Was Understaffed
Medical professionals who are too busy are much more likely to spend less time on their patients and make mistakes that they otherwise wouldn’t have made if they had sufficient help. If you notice that the hospital you received treatment at was understaffed, this could be yet another sign that you are a victim of medical malpractice.
Your Doctor Did Not Properly Explain Treatment or Procedures
Before a doctor can prescribe a particular treatment, you must give them something called informed consent. This essentially means that not only must you consent to your treatment plan, but you also need to receive all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
If you received treatment without much explanation from your doctor, this could mean that you were unable to give informed consent and are a victim of medical malpractice.
You Were Not Sufficiently Monitored
When you get out of surgery or receive any other type of medical treatment, it’s essential that the medical professionals taking care of you sufficiently monitor your condition. Failing to do so could lead to complications, injuries, or illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented, which is another textbook case of medical malpractice.
Contact HoeyLegal Today
Do you suspect that you are a victim of medical malpractice? Are you looking for a Malvern injury lawyer that you can trust to get you the compensation you deserve? Call HoeyLegal!
Here at HoeyLegal, we’re proud to be Chester County’s leading personal injury law firm, specializing in medical malpractice, auto accidents, slips and falls, and many more. We understand just how scary being the victim of medical malpractice can be, but our expert legal team is always here to be the trusted advocate you need to fight for you during such hard times.
No one should have to go through their medical malpractice case alone, and with HoeyLegal on your side, you won’t have to. We even offer free legal consultations so that you can get the expert legal advice you need without ever having to pay anything upfront. Contact HoeyLegal and schedule your free consultation today!