Mistakes can happen even in the medical field, but you may choose to take legal action if you believe that any health care provider has been guilty of medical malpractice. Negligence, ignorance and other factors that can lead to malpractice can leave you with major health problems, and obtaining compensation will make it easier for you to pay for any related medical expenses and put your life back on track. Here are a few steps that you’ll want to take if you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice.
Learn the Basic Claim Requirements
Certain requirements need to be met in order for you to file a legal claim that will be taken seriously in a court of law. Nolo.com states that you’ll need to prove that a doctor-patient relationship existed and that the doctor’s negligence caused you physical harm. You’ll also need to show that the specific damages led to factors like persistent physical pain, mental anguish, lost wages, or additional medical expenses.
Keep Accurate Documentation
Documentation is key to achieving success in a lawsuit, and you’ll want to make sure that your medical records and other pertinent documents are in order. Your medical records can be requested from the doctor’s office or hospital where the alleged malpractice occurred. It’s also wise to keep a journal that details the date when you first noticed problems related to your treatment and the specifics of any subsequent problems. You can additionally record the number of days that you missed from work and the total wages that were lost.
Consult with an Attorney
Speaking with one of many compensation lawyers who deal with medical negligence cases will help you gain a better understanding of your legal options. This attorney can represent you in court or try to negotiate a settlement with the medical provider’s insurance company if he or she thinks that you have a case. The lawyer’s goal is to get you as much money as possible to cover all the expenses that you incurred because of your misfortune.
Act Quickly
You should take steps to try to recover compensation quickly if you’re a victim of medical malpractice. Some states have limitations on the amount of time that you’re able to take legal action. For example, most places in Florida have a two- to four-year time limit from the occurrence of the malpractice to file a claim. Taking quicker action will also make your case more believable to a judge or another deciding party.
Anyone could eventually end up being a victim of medical malpractice, so it’s important to know what’s required of you to receive monetary compensation for such an event. By following the right procedure, you’ll have an easier time moving on from the incident.
