If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice, do you know what to do? The following steps can guide you through a potentially complex process.
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical practitioner, such as a doctor or nurse, fails to perform medical diagnoses or procedures according to the prevailing standard of care so that a patient is injured, suffers, or experiences some kind of loss. The medical expert may lack the right knowledge to diagnose or treat an ailing person. Or the expert might have the correct knowledge but fail to apply it appropriately. In either situation, a patient who suffers as a result may have the right to sue for compensation. If the malpractice leads to the patient’s death, the patient’s family or legal representative may consider filing a lawsuit to prove malpractice and obtain compensation.
People who believe that they or a loved one has received substandard care or neglect should discuss their situations with a medical malpractice attorney. Often an attorney will not charge for an initial consultation. If the attorney decides to represent the victim in a legal lawsuit, the attorney may not expect payment until the case is settled or resolved in court. At that time, if the victim wins the suit, the attorney is paid. If the victim does not win, the attorney typically will forego payment. The victim may be responsible, however, for paying expenses associated with preparing the case for trial.
When planning to discuss the situation with an Pasadena personal injury attorney, it is helpful to list a timeline of events that led up to the potential malpractice. Include names of medical providers, diagnoses, treatments, and medications. A simple outline of a few pages should be adequate to start with.
Be ready to explain why you feel malpractice has occurred. What did someone neglect to do, or do wrong? What were the resulting damages, such as pain, loss, or death?
Having this information ready to discuss with Pasadena personal injury lawyer will enable them to assess your situation and advise you about possible legal remedies. Call today for information.