When Medical Malpractice Hurts Families
Finding out about a loved one’s diagnosis can be heartbreaking for family members too. It can be devastating enough to find out about someone’s diagnosis, and can add salt to the wound if a medical error is then also committed on behalf of the doctor. When people make an appointment with their doctor because something does not feel quite right, they may be nervous but confident in their doctor’s abilities. When this trust breaks due to a doctor’s misjudgment, it can truly affect one’s mind and health.
Here in this article, we have answered a series of questions family members and their loved ones alike may wonder when it comes to medical malpractice.
So what is medical malpractice exactly?
Medical malpractice is when a doctor provided flawed, below standard or negligent treatment which lead to pain and suffering for the patient. There are a few factors that can determine whether medical malpractice has actually happened, and are listed as follows:
- A doctor-patient relationship was established, and the doctor had a duty to offer medical care.
- The treatment, diagnosis or other procedure provided was subpar to the medical care standard.
- As a result of this misjudgement or negligence, the patient suffered.
- The harm the patient suffered was quantifiable.
Are there signs I could watch out for?
Hearing about medical malpractice can be terrifying for some patients, as they then wonder if their doctor has ever committed an oversight or huge error. This can be especially true for families of loved ones with critical conditions, in which precise care is vital to staying alive. Here are some signs to watch out for that may mean medical malpractice has happened to you or a loved one:
- The diagnosis you received was given prior to taking all the necessary tests. Sometimes, there is an accompanying test that can give your doctor additional and useful information about your health. If you have not received this, you should request it right away and inquire as to why it was not given to you.
- Your diagnosis was given based solely on lab testing, and nothing else. A doctor should perform various tests that provide an overall summary of your health, in case there are other factors which could be contributing to your ailment.
- You are not getting better with treatment, and you find that your doctor avoids admitting having been wrong. If you have the urge to get a second opinion from another doctor, it may be time to reconsider the former as your primary physician.
- After doing some research yourself, your symptoms do not match your diagnosis. Misdiagnosis can be a huge cause for concern because in order to treat you accurately, your diagnosis must be correct from the start.
When should I meet with an attorney?
If any of the above signs that medical malpractice has happened to you or a loved one rings true, meeting with a medical malpractice attorney may be something to consider immediately. Sadly, medical facilities may attempt to cover up mistakes out of fear of paying big money for lawsuit settlements. An attorney can help you navigate the legalities if you decide to seek action.