Your doctor is supposed to be someone you can trust to restore your health. However, sometimes doctors can make mistakes. In some cases, they can intentionally harm patients for their own benefit. In either case, it is considered malpractice if you suffer at the hands of a medical professional. You can’t always prevent illness and injury, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from medical malpractice.
Bring a Support Person
When you attend medical appointments, it’s wise to bring someone you trust. Your spouse, friend, sibling, or adult children can help you take notes, ask questions, and listen to what your doctor is saying. Bringing an advocate can be especially helpful if you have trouble hearing. Your support person can act as a second set of ears and fill you in on anything you missed. They can also point out if your provider says something that doesn’t seem quite right.
Get a Second Opinion
If your provider suggests surgery, chemotherapy, or another serious treatment plan, it’s best to get a second opinion before proceeding. Your doctor could have made a mistake with the diagnosis, or there may be a safer, less invasive treatment option available. Even if you trust your provider, it can’t hurt to seek a second opinion before going under the knife or beginning a treatment that produces serious side effects.
Be Assertive
Some doctors have a bad habit of not listening to their patients, and certain groups are at a higher risk of experiencing medical malpractice because of this. If you feel like you’re being dismissed by your doctor, it’s not your fault, but being more assertive may help you. It can be hard to stand your ground when you feel like you are speaking to someone who is supposed to be an expert, but you know your pain and your body better than anyone. If you have tried speaking up and they still aren’t taking you seriously, it may be time for you to find a better doctor.
Seek Legal Help
If you are the victim of medical malpractice, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. It’s important to remember that malpractice is never the patient’s fault. If you have suffered at the hands of a doctor you trusted, you are entitled to seek compensation.
Medical malpractice can happen to anyone, but by following these tips, you can stay protected against healthcare professionals who aren’t working in your best interest.
