Medical malpractice is a serious problem, and patients must know when to seek legal help. In some cases, the signs that a patient has been the victim of medical malpractice are straightforward, while in others, they may be more subtle. Here are six signs that it’s time to immediately contact a medical malpractice lawyer.
6 Signs You Should Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Immediately
1. Severe Injury or Harm Occurred as a Result of Medical Treatment
When a medical professional’s negligence or recklessness causes physical harm to a patient, it is a sign that a medical malpractice lawyer should be contacted immediately. Any form of harm or injury resulting from medical care can be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit, including but not limited to surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, and wrongful death. These types of injuries can have lasting consequences, so it is crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Your lawyer will be able to help you determine whether your injury or harm was caused by medical malpractice or if it was simply a matter of bad luck. They will also be able to advise you on how to pursue a case and get the compensation that you deserve.
2. An Unusual or Unexpected Outcome of Treatment
When a patient undergoes medical treatment, it is expected that the treatment will result in a positive outcome. If the outcome is not what was anticipated or results in an injury or harm, it may be cause for concern. Unexpected or unusual outcomes from medical treatment are red flags of potential medical malpractice and should be investigated further.
Suppose a patient has had an unexpected or unusual treatment outcome. In that case, it is essential to review the specifics of their case to see if any lapses in care may have contributed to the outcome. There may have been a failure to diagnose an underlying condition, an incorrect diagnosis, improper use of medical devices or medications, inadequate monitoring of the patient’s condition, or a delay in treatment that caused an injury or harm.
3. Sudden or Unexplained Change in Condition
If you or a loved one has experienced a sudden or unexplained change in condition due to medical treatment, this is a sure sign that you should contact a lawyer immediately. This could include a worsening condition for which treatment was sought or a new symptom or condition arising after treatment was provided. Depending on the nature and severity of the change in condition, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the doctor or medical professional responsible.
A lawyer will be able to evaluate the facts of your case and determine whether or not the doctor or medical professional acted negligently. If it is determined that negligence occurred, then you may be able to pursue financial compensation for the damages caused by the negligence. In addition to seeking financial compensation, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can also help ensure that the negligent doctor or medical professional does not make the same mistake again.
4. Breach of Patient-doctor Confidentiality
When a doctor or other medical professional fails to keep a patient’s medical information confidential, this breaches patient-doctor confidentiality. This severe violation can result in legal action against the doctor or medical facility. In cases like these, it’s important to contact a malpractice lawyer immediately. Patients must feel confident that their medical information will remain private. If a doctor or healthcare provider breaches this trust, it can have serious repercussions for the patient.
A patient can suffer emotionally and physically from a breach of their medical information, including feeling betrayed by the medical professional. When a patient’s confidential medical information is breached, the medical professional is at fault for not protecting the patient’s privacy. Doctors can be held liable if they fail to protect a patient’s medical information. Visit this page if you need help determining whether you have a valid case against a doctor or healthcare provider who has violated your privacy.
5. Lack of Informed Consent
In medical malpractice cases, informed consent is essential. A patient must know the risks and potential outcomes of any medical treatment before agreeing to it. If they are not given this information, or if it is incomplete or inaccurate, the doctor or medical provider can be held liable for any harm that occurs as a result. If you believe that you were not adequately informed about a medical procedure or medication, you may be a victim of medical malpractice.
Informed consent should include providing all relevant information about the proposed treatment, such as the risks and potential side effects. If a doctor fails to provide this information, you may have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.
Medical malpractice is a serious issue and should be taken seriously. If you think you or someone you know may have suffered due to medical negligence, you must immediately contact a medical malpractice attorney. A lawyer will be able to evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action.
