Filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice can be extremely trying on the family both emotionally and financially. Research indicates 80% of filed cases for medical malpractice lose. So how do you know if you have a case to bring to court? If you or a loved one was injured as a result of poor medical treatment, it’s crucial you be aware of the signs of malpractice and take immediate action.

Misdiagnosis

If your symptoms don’t match your diagnosis, try getting a second opinion or researching your symptoms on medical sites to better understand. While it isn’t recommended to self diagnose, exploring other causes and discussing them with your doctor will help them better treat your illness. If you feel your diagnosis isn’t accurate, don’t be afraid to communicate that to your doctor.

Delayed Diagnosis or Neglect

Being neglectful in producing a diagnosis can be a potentially deadly sign of medical malpractice. Doctors can be guilty of a delayed diagnosis if they waited an unnecessary amount of time to provide a patient with a diagnosis which ultimately harmed the patient. However, it is not malpractice if the patient waited too long to visit the doctor and seek treatment. To avoid this situation, and properly document neglect should it occur, frequent checkups with the doctor are important.

Improper Testing

Once receiving a single test, further tests are often required to better diagnose a patient and understand the patient’s ailment. Clarification is key, as common symptoms often overlap between different illnesses and there is always room for human error in labs. If you’re being diagnosed off of a single test, it is likely that you are receiving subpar care. Ask your doctor why you are not being given more tests if you feel you are being misdiagnosed or want additional confirmation.

No Follow-Up/ Conditions Not Improving

After a major procedure or care, there should be some sort of follow-up to assess your condition. You should be informed of your medical situation and updated on any growing developments. On the other hand, if your conditions are not improving with current treatments, it is also potential that there is malpractice. It is possible you may have been misdiagnosed or neglected in the treatment process so it’s crucial you are mindful and pay attention to your body and communicate with doctors.

Do You Need Help Bringing a Case To Trial?

These signs of malpractice can help you better avoid the stress and pain of receiving poor medical treatment. Remain mindful of your condition and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you or your loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, trust the expertise of L.P. Guerra to investigate and bring you justice.