Medical malpractice is an unfortunately common act of negligence in the United States. According to a study in the Journal of Patient Safety, as many as 440,000 patients die each year from cases that could have been prevented.
Here are 6 tips to consider in order to avoid becoming a medical malpractice victim:
- Know your doctor. Ask around and do research on the doctor who will be conducting your surgery or diagnosing your medical condition. Does he or she have the proper credentials? Are his or her references positive? Go with your gut feeling. If he or she makes you uncomfortable, they are not the doctor for you.
- Get a second opinion. If your doctor says that you need major surgery or that you need to be on a certain medication for the rest of your life, get a second or third opinion to back up what this doctor has said.
- Check out all medications. When you pick up your medication from the pharmacy, ask to double check that this is the medicine your doctor prescribed. Also, ask questions such as “What are the side effects?” and “What is this medication actually supposed to do for me?”
- Know thyself. Communicate thoroughly with your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, including vitamins, that you are taking. Also, make certain they are aware of any allergies you may have and discuss all surgeries you have had in the past.
- Ask questions. Even if you appear to be annoying the doctor, ask questions. It is your body and your surgery after all. Understand everything and over communicate if necessary.
- Have an advocate. Take a trusted person with you to surgery who will ask questions and be with you every step of the way.
Nowadays, medical malpractice can occur from our complicated health care system, miscommunication, improper diagnosis and a variety of other reasons. No matter what the situation is, if you or a loved one has been injured due to what you believe is medical negligence, speak with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.
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