As the Baby Boomer generation ages into their retirement years, it’s no surprise that the medical industry is experiencing an unprecedented rise in patient requests for care. With the largest senior population ever recorded now heading to their doctors for aging issues, additional pressure is put on medical professionals to provide proper care.
Unfortunately, some doctors fall short of this expectation. Medical malpractice can be devastating and even fatal to some patients. The effects of negligence in medical care can negatively impact your life for the rest of your years, and that deserves the right compensation.
Medical malpractice is defined as “any act or omission by a physician during the treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.”
Types of Medical Malpractice
Although there are many different malpractice cases, we will be focusing on the most common types of issues that involve seniors and are the base of most malpractice cases, including:
- Brain Injuries
- Diagnostic Errors
- Failure to communicate testing results
- Failure to diagnose
- Surgical error
- Performance failure
- Wrongful death
- Medication injuries
This is a complex area of the law. A professional team of malpractice lawyers focusing on this area, like Tinker Law Firm, can help you build a case.
Find a New Doctor
If you are the victim of medical malpractice, it’s vital to continue to put your health first. Getting a second opinion and finding an alternative primary physician should be your priority. It’s essential to have all of your tests readministered so that your results can be seen through new eyes.
Get Your Records
Make a formal request in writing to your current doctor to obtain a copy of all of your medical records. You should gather these records if you see more than one doctor or specialist for your health concerns. Once you have all of your records, it’s a good idea to make copies for you and your attorneys.
Take Notes
Keeping a health or medical journal is a great way to keep track of your history of treatment. Record all appointments with all doctors and therapists, including the time and date of each meeting. Keep a detailed list of all of your medications. You can ask your pharmacist for a pamphlet or print out describing each drug to keep in your files.
When you attend appointments, you should keep written or recorded notes. If you record your sessions, make sure to get permission from your doctor to tape your meeting.
Call An Attorney
Trying to navigate the legal and medical system to get fair compensation for your injuries due to medical malpractice can be overwhelming. If you have been the victim of negligence, call an experienced malpractice attorney to help you build your case.
As patients, we put our trust and health in the hands of doctors and health care workers every day. If you feel that you have been treated with negligence, it’s essential to be proactive in recovering your due compensation and getting back to living your best life.
