Client Testimonials

Constantly Helps Those Around Him

John is knowledgeable and experienced but more than that he is a good human. He helps those around him on a consist basis, offering lawyers advice, giving of himself and his office.…...Read More

A Top Notch Choice For Legal Representation

I have owed Attorney Fisher this 5 star review for some time now and am finally getting to it. I am a young Attorney in CT and I learned about Attorney Fisher…...Read More

Knowledgable, Compassionate, and Caring

I recently contacted Attorney Fisher to discuss a potential medical malpractice claim. Like most when calling an Attorney I had hundreds of questions and needed answers. Attorney Fisher was both kind and…...Read More

A Gift To Other Attorneys

What thorough, practical, real world, business development information he has provided for you in his books entitled The Power of a System and The Law Firm of Your Dreams. He really gets…...Read More

No Other Attorney I Would Rather Work With

John Fisher is extremely knowledgeable and an incredible person. There is no other attorney I would rather work with, or trust to handle something as important as a medical malpractice case....Read More

Is The Consent Really Informed?

Cases

In most circumstances, prior to doctors and other medical professionals providing a patient with a course of treatment or other procedure, it is very important (and often times required) that the patient’s informed consent be obtained. One of the most common ways for informed consent to be obtained by medical professionals is to have the patient sign or fill out a consent form. However, the question of how much patients really understand still exists.

During the process of informed consent, the potential benefits and risks of a particular course of treatment, surgical procedure, or other type of care are discussed with the patient. Possible alternative treatments or procedures are also discussed with the patient so they are able to make a fully informed decision about the medical care they will be receiving. The patient’s consent or authorization to go through with the medical procedure is provided by the signing of a document that acknowledges that they had been provided with the necessary information to make the decision.

The conversation between the physician and the patient is extremely important and should not be delegated to a nurse or other medical professional. Simply having the patient sign the informed consent document is not enough as the consent form may be written at a level that is too high for the average participant to understand. Having a discussion with patients gives them the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, clarifies what dangers are involved, helps the physician avoid surgical mistakes, and allows patients to discuss what is contained in the document.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has suggested that medical professionals discuss and disclose certain pieces of information with patients to help ensure that patients are given informed consent. This information includes:

The patient’s diagnosis;
The nature and purpose of the proposed treatments or procedures;
The risks and benefits of the proposed treatments or procedures;
Whether there are any alternative treatments or procedures available;
The risks and benefits of alternative treatments; and
The risks and benefits of foregoing treatments or procedures.

If you have been injured as a result of undergoing a medical treatment or procedure, and believe that you were not fully informed of the situation prior to the treatment or procedure, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

But what do you think? I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment or I also 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.