Steps to Take If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
March 21, 2019
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, medical errors occur more frequently than you might think. In fact, medical errors are responsible for roughly 10 percent of all fatalities in this country, which translates to approximately 250,000 medical malpractice-related fatalities each year. Thousands more suffer serious injuries that require costly long-term medical care. If you believe that your healthcare professional was negligent in any way, there are important steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected.
Tips for Victims of Medical Malpractice
Keep the following important tips in mind if you have been injured, or your health is compromised in any way:
- Find another healthcare professional: This is an important first step. Another doctor who has your best interests at heart will be able to take steps toward reversing any damage done by the previous doctor’s medical diagnosis, or treat the complications caused by the error. Your new doctor will need to review your complete medical records before treating you. In some cases, they may need to perform certain tests.
- Obtain copies of your medical records: Your medical records will provide valuable evidence in your malpractice case, including tests that were performed, medication prescribed, and any surgical procedures you had. The records may also provide proof that you were misdiagnosed, or that your doctor failed to review your medical history before prescribing a medication. It is important to secure copies of your medical records before filing a malpractice lawsuit so that your healthcare provider cannot falsify any information.
- Keep a journal: Start keeping detailed notes if you believe that your healthcare provider was negligent. Include all information that could be relevant, including missed days of work, doctor’s appointments, and details about how the medical error has impacted your life. Try to make it a habit to write in your journal every day.
- Contact a medical malpractice lawyer: It is highly recommended that you hire an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who will protect your legal rights and seek a fair settlement. Provide your lawyer with as much detailed information about your case as possible, even if it seems insignificant. Most malpractice lawyers offer free consultations.
- Do not speak with other parties involved: Avoid communicating with anyone about your case, including over social media, except for your medical malpractice lawyer. If the other party’s attorney tries to contact you, refer that person to your lawyer. Insurance adjusters are notorious for trying to twist your words to use them against you.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Medical Errors
If you have been injured, or your health was compromised due to a medical error, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will work tirelessly to determine who is responsible for the error and hold them liable for the resulting injury. Our dedicated team will protect your legal rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until we have your complete satisfaction. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
