People trust their doctors to be competent in their fields to provide services without causing further harm. Strict standards are in place to ensure that licensed professionals can offer advice, perform serious procedures, and implement treatment plans without creating more life-threatening injuries. If you believe you have been harmed as a result of medical care, you should consult a reputable attorney immediately.
First of all, it is important to realize that there is a clear difference between receiving an undesirable result and receiving care that falls far below the accepted industry standard. You may have had an unfortunate treatment experience, but if the doctors have adhered to the established industry standard of care, they cannot be held responsible for your pain, suffering, and loss. The entire goal of your claim is to definitively prove that medical professionals failed in their duties, whether due to professional error, negligence, or carelessness.
Part of proving that a doctor or other health care professional failed to meet industry standards is gathering evidence to support your claim. This means requesting copies of all medical records related to your injury. If you have difficulty acquiring them, consult your lawyer, who can collect them on your behalf.
You also want to have statements from a few key witnesses to support your claim. These may include nurses, orderlies, and even other patients in the hospital at the time of your treatment. It is often necessary to seek the help of an expert medical witness when fault for your injury is difficult to determine. This is something you can discuss with your legal representative.
Lawyers can evaluate cases like these to determine whether or not settlement is feasible. This evaluation is actually the first and most important step in the claims process. Without it, you may be taking legal action that leads to a dead end. In which case, you will be responsible for paying all of your legal and medical costs out of pocket.
Another vital step you need to take is to have your injuries evaluated by an outside professional and then be able to document the damage a negligent provider has caused. This person will be impartial in your case and will be able to give you an honest opinion. All documentation resulting from this examination should be sent to your attorney and added to your claim.
Injury victims should avoid returning to work or engaging in any other activity that would undermine their bodily harm claims. Actions such as these undermine his claims of having suffered life-altering physical harm. The temptation to resume normal activities may be high if you are concerned about how your financial circumstances may be affected by temporary or permanent loss of income. Ask your attorney for suggestions on how to maintain a decent quality of life until the settlement money arrives.
Diligently follow your medical malpractice attorney’s directives, especially in regards to documenting your problems and avoiding activities that may further exacerbate your health problems. This professional will have the clearest understanding of how to help you obtain an acceptable result for your case. This professional can also talk to claims adjusters on your behalf so you are never in danger of making any recorded statements that hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement.