Do You Suspect Medical Malpractice Has Been Committed Against You Or A Loved One?

If you suspect you have become a victim of medical malpractice it can be a very troubling, tricky, and emotional time. There are a few important procedures to keep in mind if something as unfortunate as medical malpractice occurs to you or a loved one.

First, it is important to make note of all health care providers who were involved in your treatment. This includes doctors, nurses, technicians, and names of clinics or hospitals visited.

Requesting all medical records from each health care provider and/or health care facility is vital. The quicker this can be done the less likely potential defendants can “lose” your records. If you have had anything surgically removed as a part of your treatment it is imperative that you also request the item.

Many patients also wisely choose to obtain a second opinion from an independent physician. Not only will it bring some piece of mind to have another physician look after you who was not involved in the malpractice but also a second opinion will provide a record of an independent physician who may be able to document his or her findings and potentially even testify as an expert. Additionally, getting a second opinion may even provide a different approach to your treatment that may help you get better.

Lastly, if you think you are a victim of medical malpractice, it is important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. It is wise to choose an attorney who has specialized in bringing medical malpractice lawsuits. They are familiar with experts that may need to be called, defense attorneys who regularly defend doctors in your area, as well as the doctors and facilities themselves that are often at the receiving end of these actions. Additionally, the statute of limitations is short. In New York, the law requires victims to bring a medical malpractice claim within two and a half years of when the malpractice occurred NOT two and a half years from when you DISCOVER it occurred, even if you had no reason to know malpractice had occurred or that you were harmed!

But what do you think? I would love to hear from you! I welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com . You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.