Physicians have expertise in the area of medical science. While physicians incorporate the personal values and preferences of the individual patient, it is ultimately the trained doctor who should recognize symptoms and make a diagnosis. When a patient suffers because a physician did not perform at the level other similar doctors would be expected to perform, and the patient would not have otherwise experienced any injury, the patient could be entitled to legal benefits. This type of claim is a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice claims include improper diagnosis, lack of informed consent, error or omission in treatment.
Improper diagnosis is when a physician fails to diagnose an illness or injury or makes an incorrect diagnosis. This can lead to injuries that the physician may be liable for just as if there had been improper treatment. Many diseases that often go undiagnosed include cancer, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, appendicitis, and bacterial meningitis. Mistakes in treatment can happen in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients’ homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. Lack of informed consent most often happens when a patient has given informed consent to a surgical procedure and once the patient is under anesthesia the surgeon operates on more or sometimes a completely different area than the patient previously consented to.
There are some simple measures that any patient can keep in mind that will help prevent medical errors. Keep your doctors informed of all medicines you are taking, know the side effects, discuss any your treatment plan with your doctor and always speak up if you have questions or concerns. The results of malpractice can mean more medical services, rehab, loss of income and earning capacity. You can help avoid these problems by getting involved with your health.
A patient can have a very costly and life changing amount of medical expenses because of malpractice so why would a victim of medical malpractice choose not to go to court? A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of going to court, they may not expect to win, or that it may take a long time. Our medical malpractice attorneys are courageous when it comes to helping you get the fair treatment you deserve. Call us today.