Do you know the third leading cause of death in America is due to medical malpractice? John Hopkins Hospital carried out a study in 2016 that revealed that medical errors were the cause of over 250,000 deaths in the US every single year!
Frightening Statistics
Another survey done by the NORC and IHI/NPSF Lucian Leape Institute at the University of Chicago in 2017 revealed that a whopping 41% of people in America believed that they had been victims of medical malpractice.
A further breakdown of the study showed that of those who felt that they had been victims of medical malpractice, 73% said that they had sustained injuries because of the wrong treatment given to them.
Sadly, despite so many instances of medical malpractice, very little is being done about the situation.
According to information from the National Practitioner Database, it was found that a mere 3,046 claims were paid out for wrongful deaths caused by medical malpractice. That is not even 5% of the actual number of deaths that take place every year due to medical malpractice.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice?
If you feel you are a victim of medical malpractice, then here are some things that you need to do to protect yourself:
Get a Second Opinion
Your health is your first priority. If you are not comfortable with or suspicious of the diagnosis or treatment that is being given to you by your doctor, go to another doctor immediately. Do not wait until the situation worsens before you get a second opinion.
Keep Copies of All Your Medical Records
You need to ensure that you have copies of all your medical records. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, these records will be used as evidence to support your case when you file a complaint.
Do not reveal to your healthcare provider the reason for requesting copies of all your records. Some unscrupulous providers may try to change the information on your records if they find out that you are trying to file a complaint against them.
Journal Your Illness
If you suspect that you are a victim of medical malpractice, then you should start keeping a record of your health condition immediately. List down your symptoms, as well as the impact that this medical error has had on your life.
Do Not Talk to Other Parties
Once you have filed your suit against your healthcare provider, do not talk to other parties involved. If the insurers call you about the claim, refer them to your attorney. And do not publish anything about your case on social media – it can be used against you by the defendants.
Get A Lawyer
Lawsuits related to medical malpractice are ugly and hugely complicated. So, if you have been a victim of medical malpractice, then you need to ensure that you get an experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the medical industry as well as laws related to it.
