The medical industry has exploded. Doctors are as busy as ever as the attempt to treat their patients. Unfortunately, not all patients are treated in the manner they should be treated. They are treated in a negligent way that can lead to further complications—or even death.
Medical malpractice is not as uncommon as one might think. In fact, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
No one wants to become the victim of medical malpractice. While the duty to provide a reasonable standard of care is the sole responsibility of a health care provider, there are steps a patient can take to limit the risks from medical malpractice. Even if there is complete trust in the doctor or health practitioner, it never hurts to take extra steps to ensure safety and health.
Three steps a patient can take to help lower the risk of becoming the victim of medical malpractice are:
- Be proactive. A patient should not sit back and wait until complications develop. If there is any suspicion of malpractice, the patient should notify his doctor, and also notify an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
- Research. Take time to review a potential doctor’s credentials before the first visit. A health care provider should have adequate training and experience in the area the patient is seeing them for.
- Know doctor’s history. Know what kind of past record the doctor has. Has she had any problems mistreating patients? Are there any current or past malpractice allegations against the doctor or her staff?
While these steps may help lower the risk of being the victim of medical malpractice, it does not guarantee it. Doctors and healthcare workers are required to treat their patients in a responsible manner.
If you feel that you have become the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your legal options and how you can take action, call 757.625.1214 today.