Medical malpractice cases are some of the most common lawsuits to be brought to court. Whether it is purposeful or unintentional, health care workers can cause a variety of injuries to their patients. These victims often have the right to recover some amount of compensation for any losses they may have incurred as a direct result of a medical professional’s breach in the standard of care. If you were injured under the care of hospital staff or a medical practitioner, you may be wondering what your options are.
Common Instances of Negligence
More often than not, medical malpractice cases hinge on a concept called negligence. Negligence can take many forms in a medical setting, but some forms are more prevalent than others. General carelessness is the top reason and can appear in the form of mishandling records, ignoring important signs or concerns, or failing to follow procedures appropriately. The hospital environment can be a catalyst for negligence. Hospitals that hire staff that are inexperienced, untrained, and inadequate in numbers have a much higher risk of harming patients due to overworked, unsure staff rushing between patients.
Doctors and other medical practitioners can also be held liable for your injuries if they failed to make a correct diagnosis, provided improper treatment, or provided treatment without informed consent. All patients have the right to informed consent, which means you should be made aware of any and all risks associated with your diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. Depending on the risk factors, not all patients would want to move forward with a certain kind of treatment.
The Results of Negligence
Negligence, even on a minor scale, can have detrimental effects on a patient’s health and finances. Injuries can range from broken bones and head injuries to lifelong afflictions depending on if the injury was a result of a fall, wrong medication type and/or dosage amount, poorly performed surgery or use of anesthesia, lack of informed consent, delayed or incorrect diagnosis, and more. Unfortunately, medical bills are often quite expensive, and no one wants to have to pay more than they originally intended to. As a victim of medical malpractice, you should not have to bear the cost of treating new injuries that were not your fault.
In the aftermath of a doctor’s mistake, it can help to know that there is legal recourse available. If you’re thinking about suing for medical malpractice, you should have someone who is knowledgeable to help guide you through the steps, according to a Atlanta, GA personal injury lawyer from Council & Associates, LLC. Many people find some relief just in knowing that there are dedicated lawyers who are ready to come to the aid of medical malpractice victims.
Lawyers that work in the area of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, will be your best defense against insurance companies that do not want to pay the compensation you deserve. Remember, to have grounds for a medical malpractice case, you have to show through evidence that a doctor or other medical professional made a mistake that led to your harm.