What to Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you suspect that you might be a victim of medical malpractice, your actions immediately following your injury can greatly impact your ability to receive the compensation you deserve. Medical malpractice cases are highly complex and difficult to win, making it crucial to build your case properly from the early stages.

The following steps should be followed anytime you suspect your doctor committed medical malpractice:

  • Ask the doctor – If you think an error was made during your medical care, ask the doctor what happened. The doctor has an ethical duty to answer your questions honestly. If the doctor does not answer your questions to your satisfaction, keep asking additional questions until you feel you have a solid understanding of what went wrong. While it is unlikely the doctor will outright admit to being negligent, this explanation can be a good starting point as you build your case.
  • Ask for copies of your medical records – This is one of the most important things you can do. The sooner you receive a copy of your medical records, the less likely that they will be “misplaced” or “lost.” Make sure the record you receive is complete.
  • See another doctor – Regardless of whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim, you will need to treat the condition you are now suffering from after your initial treatment. While you can show the new doctor your medical records and ask for his opinion as to what happened during your initial treatment, you should always make it clear that your primary goal is to receive treatment for your condition, not to recruit a witness for your medical malpractice claim.
  • Keep notes about the incident – It is a good idea to keep a journal about what has happened throughout the incident, from your initial treatment through all of the complications you have experienced. Include all names of medical professionals involved as well as appropriate dates. This will help down the road as your medical malpractice lawyer builds your case.
  • Take photos of any visible injuries you have sustained – This will help make a stronger impression on the jury if your case goes to trial.
  • Consult an experienced medical malpractice lawyer – You should contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer at once. The sooner your lawyer can investigate the events of your injury and begin building your case, the greater the likelihood you will receive the compensation you deserve. Make sure to work with a lawyer who has extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases and understands the medical issues involved in your particular case.

Please contact Polewski & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in Dallas and throughout North Texas.

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