How to Start Building Your Medical Malpractice Case
Medical professionals are held to high standards and whether they’re performing a typical annual physical or are treating a patient with severe medical needs, they’re expected to provide the best care possible. While most medical professionals answer this call, mistakes can still happen. The medical field is abundant with risks even as new procedures, better equipment, stronger medication, etc., gets released every year.
However, sometimes issue arise that aren’t simply the result of understandable risks. Instead, they’re the result of physicians making mistakes they should have otherwise avoided or exercising extreme negligence. When a patient doesn’t receive the standard of care they’re entitled to then they might be looking at a strong case for medical malpractice.
From a misdiagnosis, being prescribed the wrong medication, birth injuries, receiving the wrong surgery, etc., medical malpractice can cover a wide spectrum. While every case is different, most cases require the same steps and elements to build them which we will now go over.
What To Do For Building Your Case
There are a few things you should do for building your medical malpractice case:
- Start by documenting everything: Try to document everything you can including your own personal testimonies of how the event(s) transpired. Document anything from names of doctors, nurses, medications or other treatment prescribed, surgeries, changes in your conditions, the date and time such events transpired, etc. Be as thorough as possible—it’s better to include too much than too little.
- Ask any questions possible: While it might make you nervous to call up your doctor or healthcare provider, you have every right to ask about your treatment. Ask how your condition or injuries happened, and if there’s any way they can be remedied.
- Request and make a copy of your medical records: You should also ask for a copy of your medical records and make a copy yourself for safekeeping. If for some reason your healthcare provider is refusing to provide them then you might need extra help.
- Have a medical malpractice lawyer: A medical malpractice lawyer can make a huge difference. From making sure you’re properly filing your claim to negotiating a better settlement with the insurance company, a lawyer is a great option.
Do You Accept the First Insurance Claim?
Many medical malpractice cases get resolved even before they reach the courtroom. The reason for this is that it can take a lot of time, money, and effort from both parties. As such, some insurance companies might try to resolve a case outside a court. However, it’s not uncommon for the first couple of settlements to low-ball a victim.
Even when an offer sounds attractive—especially if you’re already dealing with mounting bills—the truth is that it might not even come close to offering you adequate compensation.
That’s why having a medical malpractice lawyer can make a huge difference. They will inform you of the right compensation you deserve and will fight on your behalf. Our friends at the Greenberg Law Offices have medical malpractice lawyers that can help.