Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in America. This alarming statistic fuels our desire to help patients who have been victims of medical malpractice. Discover several frequently asked questions about medical malpractice.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice is any incident that results in an injury caused by a medical professional’s negligence. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other healthcare providers have a level of care they must abide by when helping patients. When their actions fall below this level of care, injuries or even death may occur. Several examples of medical malpractice include:
- Birth injuries
- Failure to diagnose
- Incorrect prescriptions
- Medication errors
- Misdiagnosis
- Nursing home abuse
- Surgical mistakes
What does NOT constitute as medical malpractice?
There is a fine line between unintended complications and medical malpractice. (This is why it’s extremely important to talk to a medical malpractice attorney!) Unintended complications may include any item listed in the “possible results or symptoms” section of a consent form you may have signed. However, even if you’re experiencing a symptom or complication, such as an infection, talk to a lawyer.
What if I signed a consent form?
Many people think they cannot sue for medical malpractice because they signed a consent form. However, a consent form does not give a medical professional the freedom to act negligently and be free of consequences if an injury occurs. Even if you signed a consent form, you could sue for medical malpractice if the professional acted below the standard of care.
When should I talk to a lawyer about my medical malpractice claim?
Talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. We will discuss your options and guide you on this legal journey. By holding the healthcare professional responsible, you can focus on your recovery journey and help others avoid this unfortunate situation!