Medical malpractice is a scary situation that a lot of people will experience at some point in their lifetime. Since malpractice is not an everyday occurrence many patients might not know the signs to look for in a potential case. When you visit the doctor or spend time in the hospital you want to know that the medical professionals handling your situation will do so with the utmost respect and care. When mistakes are made they can be tragic for the patient, who deserves compensation for the injuries they suffer. Let’s take a look at how you can spot the signs of medical malpractice in today’s post.
Treatment is Failing to Work
One of the most glaring signs that you could be the victim of medical malpractice is that the treatment you have been receiving is failing to work properly. When the treatment fails to work it could mean that the disease or illness is continuing to spread in your body and worsen. This could put you behind once the correct treatment is found. Treatment that isn’t working properly could be a sign that you were misdiagnosed by your doctor or a specialist handling your case.
Treatment Doesn’t Match Condition
Some of the most common reasons why medical malpractice cases come to be includes treatment that is too involved for the patient’s condition. Surgeries and invasive tests should only be suggested and used by doctors when the less-invasive methods have been exhausted and all else fails. When a patient is receiving too much treatment for their condition they could have a case for a medical malpractice claim.
The Second Opinion Differs
When it comes to your health it’s important to take all the precautions necessary to ensure the best possible care. If the first doctor you visit diagnoses you with a serious disease or illness it’s alway a good idea to seek a second opinion. If the doctor who issues the second opinion disagrees with the original opinion you could be a victim of medical malpractice. It doesn’t matter if the second opinion was more or less serious than the first, it still differs greatly and could impact how you move forward with treatment.
Surgical or Treatment Error
Errors during surgery or treatment are not uncommon these days even with the training, equipment, and tools available to doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Doctors are required to provide you with a standard of care and are obligated to do no harm to their patients. If the doctor fails to do either of these and it leads to an injury or illness, you are likely the victim of medical malpractice and have a right to file a lawsuit for compensation.
Lab Tests Lead to Serious Diagnosis
If you visit the family physician for an annual well checkup he or she might order some general lab tests. These tests will test for high blood pressure, high sugar levels, and more. These lab tests should not be used to diagnose serious problems. If your doctor diagnoses you with cancer after simple lab tests are performed then you likely have a case for medical malpractice.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have experienced any of the situations outlined in this post you are likely the victim of medical malpractice. You need to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your situation. The team at Dennis A. Lopez & Associates in Tampa, Florida is here to answer all of your questions and guide you through the legal process.
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