FIRST STEPS IN A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE
The majority of medical malpractice cases today are brought forward by patients who were injured or harmed as a result of a mistake in diagnosis or unsatisfactory medical treatment on behalf of a medical provider like a technician, a doctor, a hospital, a medical worker or a nurse. The primary factor involved in these cases is whether or not the medical provider failed to give the patient proper care. This is determined based on how a reasonable care provider would have reacted in similar circumstances.
Although most healthcare providers in the United States today aim to provide patients with the highest standard of care, there are certainly times when things go wrong and it can be the patient who ends up paying the price. If you or someone you know has recently experienced inadequate medical care as a result of a doctor’s negligence or reckless behavior, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you or someone you love has experienced lack of consent, improper medical care, breach of confidentiality, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication errors, and you have suffered injury and harm as a result, you could be entitled to medical malpractice recovery with the help of an experienced Baltimore attorney. These are the steps you need to follow in order to bring a medical malpractice case.
Contact the Involved Medical Professional
It is strongly recommended that you reach out to the medical professional prior to filing a claim. This is your opportunity to learn more about what could have gone wrong and for your physician to determine whether or not this is an issue that can be fixed. Medical providers are usually reasonable and want to perform services to correct a problem or suggest some type of a solution. Even if this is not the case, consulting with a medical professional can give you an idea of next steps.
Reach Out to The Appropriate Medical Licensing Board
If the medical professional fails to give you assistance with the situation, you may wish to contact the licensing board in your state. Although the licensing board usually cannot order a medical professional to compensate you for your injuries, they can give disciplinary warnings to the doctor and advise you of next steps.
Consult with Another Doctor
A medical assessment from another physician can give you a good idea of whether or not medical malpractice occurred and allow you to gather the relevant information to set up a meeting with a Baltimore medical malpractice attorney. Bear in mind that all civil claims including those involving allegations of medical malpractice have strict time limits and must be filed promptly. It is a good idea to set up a consultation with a doctor to get a second opinion as well as a Baltimore medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured.
Consult with a Lawyer
Getting a qualified medical malpractice attorney in Baltimore to review your case can make a big difference. In fact, you are more likely to recover fair compensation for your injuries if you consult with a lawyer sooner rather than later. Medical malpractice cases can be costly and timely so an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer can tell you more about your rights and whether it is in your best interests to consider settlement outside of court. An experienced lawyer will work hard to understand the full extent of your injuries and develop a plan to represent your interest to the fullest in any settlement negotiations or in court. Your medical malpractice lawyer should have extensive experience in the field helping clients just like you.
Do not hesitate to reach out the get the legal help that you need moving forward. Speaking with a lawyer does not mean you have to file a medical malpractice suit, but the first consultation can help you figure out whether it’s right for you. Individuals who have sustained injuries at the hands of a doctor and their family members have every reason to get help from a Baltimore medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Don’t let the statute of limitations pass you by; get help now.