In 2012 alne, more than 3 billion dollars was disbursed due to medical malpractice. Medical malpractice happens when a medical practitioner departs from the standards for taking care of a patient, also called the “standard of care.” In essence, medical malpractice is similar to medical negligence.
How Will You Know If an Individual Is a Victim of Medical Malpractice?
A medical malpractice claim exists when a healthcare provider’s negligence brings about damage or injury to the patient. Nevertheless, a negative outcome does not necessarily mean it is medical negligence. Occasionally, medical practitioners will let their patients know if they have received negligent care for the sake of honesty.
Note that an honest apology can prevent a malpractice claim in the future or allow settlement without having to undergo litigation. After all, insurance companies usually want to resolve an issue with an injured patient if possible. That is to prevent a patient from knowing the full scope of their injuries and hire a medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago who has the power to increase the settlement worth of a claim.
However, keep in mind that the prosecution for malpractice cases can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. Statistics reveal that medical mistakes kill about 200,000 Americans every year.
Yet, only 15 percent of lawsuits are filed yearly involving medical negligence claims. Moreover, about 80 percent of injured patients do not get payment from these lawsuits.
What Should a Patient Do If They Suspect They Experienced Negligent Care?
If you think you were subjected to medical malpractice, you must contact an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer.In such cases, the attorney must undergo a detailed review of the case by securing relevant medical records, interviewing the victim, the family members, and even friends to determine if the situation is actionable.
What Can a Patient Do to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Medical Malpractice?
Being proactive is one step to prevent medical malpractice from happening. Patients must research to deepen their understanding of their condition and learn to take note of their symptoms. They must have a list of their questions in hand to give to a healthcare provider and demand clear answers from them.
It is also crucial for patients to advocate and speak up for themselves and not be threatened by the system. If a patient feels like something is illogical, they must ask their nurse or doctor. It is also advisable to bring a friend or family member during visits to your healthcare provider.
What are the Common Reasons That Stops a Patient from Filing a Lawsuit Due to Medical Malpractice?
Common reasons include:
- Patients are intimidated by the fact that their doctors might refuse to handle them.
- Some do not want to increase their medical expenses, which is considered an irrational fear.
- Others waive their claims because of the associated financial costs for litigation.
Conclusion
If you think you, your family member, or your friend are not getting proper “standard of care” from a healthcare provider, then it’sbetter to find another doctor to receive a second opinion. After all, your health or your family member’s health is more important than trusting a healthcare provider who neglects the standard procedure of care.
