Medical Malpractice – 3 Ways to Prevent Being a Statistic

Medical Malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with over 100,000 citizens affected yearly. Malpractice can happen from a misdiagnosis, a botched surgery, or a failure to refer a patient to a specialist – no two medical malpractice cases are alike. Unfortunately, when medical malpractice occurs, there can be serious consequences to the patient’s physical health. Minimize your risk of becoming a victim of medical malpractice by advocating for your rights, and becoming educated on the possible outcome. This article will address 3 ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of malpractice.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For a Second Opinion
Everyone makes mistakes, even your healthcare professional. A misdiagnosis can lead to a serious problem, including improper treatment or even a delayed diagnosis of a serious condition like cancer.
Receiving the wrong diagnosis can cause a disease to become worse and can deny the patient a chance for a cure. If you feel like something is wrong and you aren’t getting an answer that satisfies you, seek out the opinion of another doctor or specialist.
Ask Questions
Doctors frequently use medical terminology that can be hard to understand. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask what they are saying means. You have a right to understand your diagnosis and you need to understand the instructions your doctor is giving you. Don’t be too intimidated to get the information you need in an understandable way.
With any new treatment or medication, ask – What are the advantages and disadvantages of this medication? What are the side effects? How long is treatment necessary? When you receive the medication from your pharmacist, double check you’ve been given the right one and confirm the dosage.
Get Your Test Results
Many doctors have your records and test results available online through patient portals. You should check to see these results and call or email your doctor with any questions. Do not assume that if you haven’t heard from your doctor that everything is ok.
If your doctor doesn’t have online access to your records, request a copy of test results from them.  Under New York law patients have a right to copies of their own medical records, so your physician is required to give them to you.
Your New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you have suffered due to medical negligence, you may be able to file a claim. The attorneys at Bonina & Bonina have over 100 collective years of experience as trusted medical malpractice attorneys. They offer a unique and personalized approach to your case, along with a high level of expertise and a commitment to injured victims. Contact them today at 1-888-MedLaw1 or online for a free consultation and move forward with a true legal partner by your side.