Though many doctors are brilliant, they’re still human. Even the most prestigious medical professionals are prone to all of the same mistakes as anyone else–only their mistakes cost lives.
Though you shouldn’t hesitate to visit a skilled medical professional whenever you get sick, you shouldn’t trust them blindly, either. Here are a few tips for protecting yourself or loved ones from medical errors and a look at how a medical malpractice attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve in the event that an error occurs.
Visit a reputable provider
Before you set up a medical appointment, you should make sure that your health care provider has a good reputation. If a particular hospital or clinic is notorious for botched surgeries or frequent misdiagnoses, you should move on. HealthGrades.com is an excellent resource that can help you find a skilled doctor.
Double and triple check
Many people assume that their doctors know best. Though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you shouldn’t hesitate to remind your doctor about any allergies or pre-existing conditions that may complicate your treatment. It is also a good idea to get second and third opinions when the diagnosis is severe or when a radical treatment is suggested.
Always ask questions
As your doctor explains a diagnosis or goes over a surgery plan, you’ll probably have dozens of questions racing through your head. Instead of assuming that your doctor has thought of everything, you should never hesitate to ask these questions, no matter how silly they seem. One of your questions could bring a potentially life-saving matter to your doctor’s attention.
Hire a lawyer
Unfortunately, every conceivable precaution isn’t always enough to prevent a costly medical mistake. Still, you can protect yourself from extreme medical bills by hiring a skilled medical malpractice attorney. Together, you and your attorney can investigate a medical error and pursue a lawsuit that will hopefully end with a substantial settlement.
If you’ve been the victim of a medical error, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at The Rich Firm, PC. We represent victims of negligence in a wide range of medical malpractice cases — including those that involve wrongful death.
Don’t suffer the consequences of another’s recklessness. If you live in the Washington DC area, call (202) 529-9379 to schedule your free initial consultation.
