773-365-0040
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers fail to meet professional standards. If you’ve experienced harm due to medical negligence, contact Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040 for a free consultation.
Identifying the Different Types of Medical Malpractice
Failure to Diagnose
When diseases go undetected, the results can be devastating for patients. This is especially dangerous with aggressive diseases, where early treatment is crucial. Delays in diagnosis can lead to serious complications or death.
If you suspect a missed diagnosis, begin documenting all your symptoms and treatments immediately. Request copies of all test results and medical records, as these will be crucial in establishing when symptoms first appeared and how they were addressed.
Medication Errors
Medical malpractice often involves medication mistakes. This includes prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or medications that dangerously interact with other prescriptions. These errors can cause immediate harm or lead to long-term health complications.
When you notice medication problems, report them to healthcare providers immediately. Keep a detailed log of all medications you’re taking, including dosages and any reactions you experience. This documentation helps establish patterns of negligent care.
Lack of Informed Consent
Healthcare providers must explain the potential risks and complications of any procedure or medication. Proper informed consent involves more than just signing a form. Your doctor should discuss all treatment alternatives and potential outcomes. If you weren’t properly informed about these risks, and would have declined treatment had you known, you may have a medical malpractice case.
To protect yourself, request copies of all consent forms and ask for written documentation of any discussions about treatment risks. Take notes during these conversations and ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
Surgical Errors
Surgical mistakes can have devastating consequences. While all surgeries carry risks, errors due to negligence differ from known complications. These mistakes can lead to additional surgeries, extended recovery times, and permanent injuries.
After experiencing surgical complications, document everything about your recovery process. Obtain copies of your surgical records and post-operative reports. These records help establish whether complications arose from negligence rather than normal surgical risks.
Delayed Treatment
Delays in medical treatment can worsen your condition and lead to serious complications. When healthcare providers fail to provide timely care, patients often suffer unnecessary harm. These delays might occur in emergency rooms, during hospital stays, or in scheduling necessary procedures.
Create a detailed timeline of all appointments, delays, and communications with healthcare providers. Note any worsening symptoms during periods of delayed care. This information helps demonstrate how treatment delays affected your condition.
Taking Action
Documenting Your Experience
Strong documentation forms the foundation of every medical malpractice case. Save all medical records, bills, and insurance correspondence. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Write down every interaction with healthcare providers, including phone calls and office visits. Save emails, text messages, and any other communications about your care.
Understanding Your Rights
As a patient, you have significant legal rights in your medical care. You can access your complete medical records and seek second opinions about your treatment. No one can force you to undergo treatment against your will. Healthcare providers must inform you about risks and alternatives before proceeding with treatment. Understanding these rights helps you advocate for proper care and recognize when standards aren’t met.
Compensation in Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice victims may seek various forms of compensation. This includes coverage for additional medical expenses needed to correct negligent care. Compensation can also include lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Pain and suffering damages acknowledge the physical and emotional impact of medical negligence. Future medical care costs ensure you can receive ongoing treatment for lasting injuries.
How Shea Law Group Helps
Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys guide you through every step of your case. We begin with a thorough investigation, gathering all medical records and evidence needed to prove negligence. We work closely with medical experts who help establish how your care fell below professional standards.
Our attorneys understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in malpractice cases. That’s why we handle everything from filing paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies. We fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Learn More About the Warning Signs of Medical Malpractice
If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time limits apply to these cases, and early action helps preserve crucial evidence. Call Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation, explain your options, and show you how we can help.
