Protect Yourself: 4 Ways To Protect Yourself From Medical Malpractice

Posted on: 13 September 2019

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If you're undergoing medical treatment, you run the risk of falling victim to medical malpractice. According to statistics, medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, in 2012, medical malpractice claims were paid out about once every 43 seconds. Luckily, there are some things you can do to safeguard yourself. Here are four steps you need to take to protect yourself from medical malpractice.

Take Notes at Each Appointment

When it comes to protecting yourself against medical malpractice, the best thing you can do is become your own advocate. That means you need to pay close attention to everything your healthcare providers do and say. The best way to do that is by maintaining a healthcare journal. Take detailed notes at each of your doctors appointments. Keep track of the tests that your doctor orders, as well as the results for those tests. Maintaining a detailed journal will not only allow you to look back and double-check everything that the doctor orders, it will also provide you with information should you suspect medical malpractice.

Double-Check Your Prescriptions

If you take prescription medication, you need to pay attention to the medications you're provided. You might not realize this, but prescription medication errors pose a serious risk to your safety. One way to protect yourself against medical malpractice is to double-check your prescription medication. First, ask questions about the medication you've been prescribed. Second, make sure that your doctor and pharmacist check new prescriptions against the ones you're currently taking; this will help prevent adverse reactions. Finally, know what your prescription medications should look like. That way, you can notify the pharmacist immediately if they happen to give you the wrong medication.

Insist on a Second Opinion

If your doctor has ordered tests or procedures that you're not familiar with, or you're not sure about their diagnosis, insist on a second opinion. Allowing a fresh set of experienced eyes to go over your medical records will ensure that nothing is missed. It will also ensure that the diagnosis and treatment plan are correct.

Seek Legal Advice Immediately

If you suspect that you've been the victim of medical malpractice, you need to seek immediate legal advice. There are strict statute of limitations attached to malpractice claims. Not only that, but swift legal action will help you get the care and compensation you may be entitled to. For maximum protection, never attempt to obtain compensation for medical malpractice without the help of an attorney. For more information, contact a medical malpractice lawyer.