The last thing you expect to happen when you are going to see a doctor for a simple procedure is to discover that the provider who was supposed to be taking care of you harmed you. However, the reality is that up to 251,000 deaths annually are due to medical errors.

Our skilled attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams are well-versed in handling the nuances of medical malpractice cases and can help you pursue a claim. With such high risks involved with medical procedures, here is what you should know and do if you suspect medical negligence.

What Is Medical Negligence?

The American Board of Professional Attorneys defines medical malpractice as occurring when a hospital, doctor, or other healthcare professional causes an injury to a patient through a negligent act or omission. Negligence might result from errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management.

Practically speaking, medical malpractice could mean violating the expected standard of medical care or significantly injuring a patient. More specific examples of medical negligence include the following scenarios:

• A medical professional misreading or ignoring laboratory results
• A medical professional administering an incorrect dosage or medication
• A surgeon performing unnecessary medical procedures or making errors
• A physician failing to recognize critical symptoms or order appropriate testing

If you or your loved one suspects they have been hurt because of medical malpractice, you should speak with a trained attorney from our firm. Our understanding legal team could advise you on your legal options.

What Do I Do If I Suspect Medical Malpractice?

You should not directly accuse your medical provider of malpractice and should not mention that you suspect malpractice. If you disclose that you suspect malpractice, not only do you risk a faster timeline as far as your statute of limitations is concerned, which is the amount of time you have available to bring a claim, but you also open the door to the medical facility to begin covering their tracks, which could cause valuable evidence to disappear.

Instead, request copies of all your medical recorders and seek a second opinion from another provider. Be sure to document everything, from how your condition impacts your daily life to how your symptoms have progressed. Not only will this help your future physicians, but it will also help your team of lawyers if you bring forward a claim against your original physician.

A Skilled Attorney Could Help You Pursue a Medical Malpractice Claim

If you decide to proceed with your medical malpractice lawsuit, your most valuable asset will be time. Once you decide to move forward with your claim, you will have a statute of limitations to keep in mind, as well as any restrictions resulting from your injuries or medical conditions arising from the malpractice.

For this reason, hiring a team of attorneys with experience in medical malpractice is even more critical. With years of experience winning substantial medical malpractice verdicts, the team at Lowenthal & Abrams is dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation meeting.