According to a Harvard University study, every year, about 95,000 people in the United States are killed by medical malpractice in hospitals. Another 400,000 are victims of medical errors and medical negligence. According to a US government report, it is estimated that about 10% of physicians require discipline that range from supervision to loss of license. However, disciplinary action is taken against only six-tenths of 1%.
According to a Harvard University study, every year, about 95,000 people in the United States are killed by medical malpractice in hospitals. Another 400,000 are victims of medical errors and medical negligence. According to a US government report, it is estimated that about 10% of physicians require discipline that range from supervision to loss of license. However, disciplinary action is taken against only six-tenths of 1%.
Preventing Medical Malpractice
So how do you avoid becoming a victim of medical malpractice? You cannot predict when a medical error or medical negligence may occur. But there are ways that you can avoid unsafe medical practices and dangerous doctors, and make sure you get the best medical care.
· Choose a competent, caring doctor – If you are lucky enough to be able to choose your own doctor, you should exercise this privilege wisely. You should conduct thorough research to find the right one. You can acquire a good referral by talking to medical professionals and close friends and family. Make sure that you pick one, who is respectful, honest, board certified, experienced, and affiliated with a hospital.
· Be responsible for your health – It is important to take responsibility for your own health. If you are uninvolved or detached, you out yourself a bigger risk for mistreatment or mistakes. Take the time to ask questions, research the medical condition you have been diagnosed with and make sure you understand the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure before agreeing to it.
· Bring an advocate – When dealing with a doctor, you cannot always advocate on your own half in an effective manner. Invite a close relative or friend to help in navigating medical terrain that is unfamiliar. As your advocate, they can take notes, listen and ask questions, monitor your medications and give you the support that you need.
· Provide all the facts – Withholding medical information can create a lot of problems. It can handicap your doctor and prevent them from providing you with the right medical treatment. Incomplete information can result in a wide range of accidents that can jeopardize your health. You should give your doctor even details that you think are not crucial since perhaps they are.
· Get a second opinion – After following your doctor’s instructions and going for follow-up examinations, if you have doubts, it does not hurt to get a second opinion. In fact, when you are considering a non-emergency procedure, it is essential to obtain a second opinion. You should get a third opinion if you still have doubts after attaining a second opinion.
Getting Legal Help for Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is regulated by complex rules and these rules can vary from state to state. This is why it is often required for you to get representation or advice from a medical malpractice attorney from the state where the malpractice occurred. Since the medical malpractice claims process is a complicated one, it is also best to seek the help of an attorney who has experience in handling medical malpractice cases.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, you should immediately seek the help of a reliable medical malpractice attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000.
We know this arena. We have mastered this arena. We have won case after case in this field but there is no guarantees so remain flexible. Is your case viable? What is your side of the story? Give us a call, the first meeting is on us. We want to hear what you have to say. We charge you nothing up front, in fact, we charge really nothing at all since we are paid when you are paid. We only take a percentage of the final settlement or verdict – you never have to write us a check!
If your case has merit, RMFW Law will work hard for you and devise a fantastic game plan.
