Most lawsuits filed under medical malpractice law are a result of human error and negligence. While in some other fields of work, errors can be dealt with a little more leniently the nature of the medical industry is such that the smallest possible mistake on the part of a doctor, nurse or medical staff can have serious ramifications for the patient concerned.
Simply put, while the medical malpractice law will come handy if you decide to file a case, it is definitely worth it’s while to take steps before hand to try and stay safe in hospitals. Here are 5 suggested actions that can be followed to do exactly that:
Be involved: This is the single most important step that you can take in order to help avoid any mistakes. Be an active member of your health care team and make sure you are involved in all decisions. For this it is also imperative that you possess good knowledge about the line of treatment being followed. Ask questions and look for clear answers.
Medicines: Make sure that you know why a medicine it being prescribed to you. Also, the doctor should be aware of any allergies or adverse reactions you have to any medicines. Do not for a minute assume that the doctor should have this information automatically.
Choice of hospital: It’s a good idea to choose a hospital that has extensive experience in the condition that you are being treated for. If it’s a surgery, research to find out how often the procedure is performed in the concerned hospital. Better still; ask what staff and doctors are regularly involved in the procedures. If you can’t have the same doctor try and at least get a second opinion from them.
Case update: This goes a long way in preventing medical errors, something that any attorney, say a Fort Worth attorney, if you live there, will tell you too. When in a hospital, make sure that a personal doctor is in charge of your care and all the staff on your health care team have all relevant and updated information about you at all times. This prevents miscommunication and the chances of incorrect medicine being given to you.
Get family or friend support: Ask a family member or reliable friend to come with you. An extra pair of ears and eyes is always good and they can advocate for you or watch out for you if you are not in the condition to do so at some point during your visit. You never know when you might need it.
Following these tips should help you prevent any mishaps, so to speak. Eventually, if it comes to it, you can file a case via an attorney in your city, for e.g. a Fort Worth attorney practicing medical malpractice law if you live in Fort Worth. A good attorney should be able to guide you through the legal process and get you justice in the end.
Simply put, while the medical malpractice law will come handy if you decide to file a case, it is definitely worth it’s while to take steps before hand to try and stay safe in hospitals. Here are 5 suggested actions that can be followed to do exactly that:
Be involved: This is the single most important step that you can take in order to help avoid any mistakes. Be an active member of your health care team and make sure you are involved in all decisions. For this it is also imperative that you possess good knowledge about the line of treatment being followed. Ask questions and look for clear answers.
Medicines: Make sure that you know why a medicine it being prescribed to you. Also, the doctor should be aware of any allergies or adverse reactions you have to any medicines. Do not for a minute assume that the doctor should have this information automatically.
Choice of hospital: It’s a good idea to choose a hospital that has extensive experience in the condition that you are being treated for. If it’s a surgery, research to find out how often the procedure is performed in the concerned hospital. Better still; ask what staff and doctors are regularly involved in the procedures. If you can’t have the same doctor try and at least get a second opinion from them.
Case update: This goes a long way in preventing medical errors, something that any attorney, say a Fort Worth attorney, if you live there, will tell you too. When in a hospital, make sure that a personal doctor is in charge of your care and all the staff on your health care team have all relevant and updated information about you at all times. This prevents miscommunication and the chances of incorrect medicine being given to you.
Get family or friend support: Ask a family member or reliable friend to come with you. An extra pair of ears and eyes is always good and they can advocate for you or watch out for you if you are not in the condition to do so at some point during your visit. You never know when you might need it.
Following these tips should help you prevent any mishaps, so to speak. Eventually, if it comes to it, you can file a case via an attorney in your city, for e.g. a Fort Worth attorney practicing medical malpractice law if you live in Fort Worth. A good attorney should be able to guide you through the legal process and get you justice in the end.
