Medical malpractice: what to do next?
Medical malpractice is when someone experiences an injury due to the negligence of a hospital, doctor or other healthcare professional. It can also result in the issuing of unsafe medication or devices, without pre-warned side effects, which is what happened with the medtronic class action.
Being a victim of medical malpractice can be extremely distressing, and you may not know what to do next. You’ll most likely be feeling vulnerable, scared, and isolated – but you’re not alone. There are plenty of ways to get the help you deserve. So, what’s next?
Speak to a lawyer
It’s always advisable to speak to a lawyer if you think you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice – and sooner rather than later. You might not be sure whether you want to hire one yet, but getting legal guidance will allow you to understand the position you are in and what you might be entitled to. It will also give you a greater sense of whether your case is isolated or part of a bigger scale issue. When it comes to speaking to a lawyer, you can find one easily online or by asking for recommendations from friends or relatives. Once you’ve done your research, you can dedicate to an attorney.
Do your research
Whilst your lawyer will be able to advise you on the case and what everything means, you may also wish to research the medical negligence and try to get a solid understanding of what has happened to you. You may also wish to gather a collection of all your hospital and medical records so you are able to speak about the situation confidently. Being health literate will make the situation less stressful and create a better sense of clarity for you and for those trying to help. The next stage will be a full investigation of your claims, so clarity is essential.
Get a medical assessment
After experiencing medical malpractice, it’s important for you to get a medical assessment from a different healthcare professional to review your injuries and medical records. This person will be able to clarify that you have been a victim of medical negligence and can file a certificate of merit – which is needed in various states and simply confirms that your claims have merit. This may sound daunting after experiencing medical malpractice, but it’s helpful in the long run and will support your claims.
Be patient
It can be frustrating, but cases of medical malpractice can be extremely complicated and time-consuming. You need to be patient, and trust your lawyer to get the outcome you need. The duration of the claim can vary hugely depending on the complexity of the claim, your injuries, and the healthcare professionals involved, and therefore you could have a prolonged wait for the outcome you want. However, it’s important to be patient, realistic and to keep a cool head where possible. You have done nothing wrong, and deserve a positive outcome after everything you have been through.