As soon as you or a family member is admitted to the hospital following an injury or illness, be on the lookout for these signs of medical malpractice. Making note of any deviations in standard custom or signs of negligence can help you build a case against the health care provider in the event an incident occurs.
1. Treatment does not work
If treatment does not work, you may want to get a second opinion on whether or not your physician or doctor prescribed the right course of action. He or she may have misdiagnosed you, or may not be conforming to traditional medical treatments.
2. Your symptoms are diagnosed by lab test
Because of errors in medical testing, you should ask to get your diagnosis re-tested, or discuss your results with a professional. If a misdiagnosis occurs and you are not properly treated for your condition, you may end up with a serious illness or risk fatal injuries.
3. You have common symptoms but a severe condition
If you are diagnosed with a condition such as cancer, or an extreme infection, be sure to note other symptoms. Sometimes doctors may believe your symptoms are the result of a life-threatening illness, which may cause undue stress and emotional pain if you are later diagnosed with a common ailment.
4. There are additional tests available
If you are diagnosed with an illness, ask your doctor about other tests than can be given to ensure you are properly treated for your particular situation. Doctors may withhold tests that could change how treatment is administered.
5. You are having adverse reactions to treatment
If treatment is actually harming you, tell your doctor first and foremost. You may have been given the wrong treatment or been prescribed a treatment that should not be used in conjunction with other medicines you are taking. If the doctor failed to take necessary precautions, he or she fell below the acceptable standards of common medicine.
6. Your doctor failed to inform you of the risks
Doctors must inform their patients of the risks associated with treatment or not receiving treatment. You could be eligible for a medical malpractice if you have an adverse reaction to a treatment without being made aware of the risks. If you would not have gone ahead with treatment under normal circumstances, the doctor is liable.
7. You are being given series of treatments
You may have been given additional treatments to cover up a misdiagnosis or incorrect administration of medicine. This will rack up a hefty medical bill, so if you believe you are being incorrectly billed, ask your doctor the reason for the multitude of treatment types. If he or she fails to give a satisfactory answer, you may be taken advantage of.
8. Treatments do not conform to the common practice
Before beginning treatment, look up what medical journals say and what standard practice is when treating your condition. If you are being offered an inferior treatment, or something alternative that you did not approve, you could have a valid claim on your hands.
Remember, despite having evidence of malpractice you must have damages in order to make a claim against the physician. Damages can include physical damages, emotional damages, or economic damages like a loss of wages. The damages must also be the direct result of the medical malpractice. If you suspect you or a family member may be the victim of medical malpractice, contact a Colley Law lawyer today to discuss your case.
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