5 Signs You May Have Suffered from Medical Malpractice

Going to a hospital is supposed to be an experience that we hope will make us feel better. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. You may find that your symptoms are ignored or the diagnosis is incorrect. Worse, the treatment you receive may do more harm than good. Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can cause irreparable harm to patients, but not everyone recognizes that they have suffered from medical malpractice.

Our Carlsbad medical malpractice lawyer at Pursley Law helps injured patients and their loved ones fight for the compensation they need to get their lives back on track after medical negligence.

Signs of Medical Malpractice

Below are some of the signs that you may have suffered from medical malpractice and, if so, may be entitled to compensation.

1. You Received an Incorrect Diagnosis

One of the most common signs that you may have suffered from medical malpractice is being given an incorrect diagnosis. Unfortunately, this happens far too often. If your diagnosis is later found to be incorrect, it could be because your doctor misinterpreted your symptoms or improperly administered tests. Failing to diagnose or misdiagnosing a patient can be considered medical malpractice if it leads to harm.

Fact: Researchers from Johns Hopkins found that diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of medical malpractice claims and the most severe patient harm.

2. Your Doctors Did Not Get Your Informed Consent

Another clear sign of medical malpractice is when doctors did not get informed consent from their patients. Informed consent is a critical part of the medical process. It is the legal requirement that doctors explain to patients the potential risks and benefits of any proposed treatment, and obtain their consent to proceed. If your doctor failed to get your informed consent, they may have violated your rights as a patient.

3. The Hospital Is Understaffed

Overworked and understaffed hospitals are a breeding ground for medical malpractice. When medical teams are overburdened, mistakes are more likely to happen. If you find yourself in a hospital that is understaffed, you should be extra cautious. Patients may not receive appropriate care, their condition may worsen, and the consequences can be severe.

4. There Are Problems in Your Treatment You Were Not Warned Of in Advance

Another way to identify medical malpractice is to look for problems in your treatment that you were not warned about in advance. Some treatments come with inherent risks, and doctors are supposed to inform patients of these risks before proceeding. If you were not warned of any risks, and you face complications after the treatment, this could be a sign of medical malpractice.

5. You Have a Different Second Opinion from Another Doctor

Finally, receiving a second opinion that differs from your initial one can be a sign of medical malpractice. If you sought a second opinion and found that it contradicts your initial diagnosis, you may want to get the opinion of another doctor. Disagreements between experts are common, but a consistent pattern of conflicting diagnoses may be a red flag.

Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Your health is too important to settle for anything less than the proper care. If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, seek help immediately. Consulting with a medical malpractice lawyer can help you protect your legal rights. Reach out to Pursley Law to schedule an appointment with our lawyer and discuss your case. Call (760) 678-1884 today.

Source:

hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/diagnostic_errors_more_common_costly_and_harmful_than_treatment_mistakes