Medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, almost 200,000 people die because of it. If a person believes they or a loved one has suffered from medical malpractice, they should consider the facts below before calling an attorney.
A Bad Outcome Doesn’t Equal Malpractice
With all medical treatments, there’s a risk of bad side effects or a negative outcome. Experiencing these effects doesn’t mean a person has suffered medical malpractice in Douglasville, GA. For that to occur, the doctor’s care must have been negligent.
It’s Important to Get Statements from Other Physicians
As a rule, negligence means the healthcare provider didn’t provide the same standard of care as others in their position. To set the baseline, a client needs to see a different doctor, and they should do so as quickly as possible after the malpractice occurs. There are few exceptions to the rule, and they are for cases where the negligence is blatantly obvious.
Documentation Is Crucial
In all injury and liability cases, documentation helps to build the client’s case. Victims should gather all the documentation they can, including original medical records from the physician suspected of committing the malpractice. Perhaps more importantly, the patient should document their injuries with notes and photos.
Malpractice Includes a Variety of Injuries
Many people have a very narrow view of medical malpractice in Douglasville, GA, but it can cover all sorts of issues. Surgical errors are just one type of malpractice. Misdiagnosis, childbirth injuries, and anesthesia mistakes can all constitute malpractice under the appropriate circumstances.
Damage Must Have Occurred
Proving a healthcare provider’s negligence is important, but clients must also prove they suffered damages because of the incident. Depending on the nature of the case, damages can be emotional, monetary, physical, or a combination of the three. If a person incurred more medical bills, was unable to return to work, or their family suffered because of the incident, they may have a case for malpractice.
Not all malpractice cases make it to court. In many cases, clients can work with their lawyer and the doctor to settle the case. If someone believes they’ve suffered from medical malpractice, they can call to schedule a consultation or visit Dsternlieblaw.com for more details.