Tips from a Monroe Personal Injury Attorney
The United States is home to one of the world’s most advanced health-care systems. Although most doctors and medical professionals are well qualified, medical malpractice still contributes to a significant number of injuries and deaths. Medical malpractice is more common than many people realize. According to Forbes, victims in the United States recovered $3 billion in medical malpractice payouts in 2012. Common examples of malpractice include:
- Negligence in the emergency room;
- Amputation mistakes;
- Spinal cord and brain injuries;
- Surgical mistakes;
- Prescription errors;
- Birth errors;
- And anesthesia mistakes.
Although many of these examples are out of the victim’s control, there are steps that you can take to prevent medical malpractice. These include:
- Appointing a primary care physician;
- Making sure your doctors are communicating;
- Choosing a specialist doctor or hospital;
- And making sure your medical provider washes his or her hands.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a medical worker’s negligence, contact a Monroe personal injury lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, health-care bills and other damages. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation. Until then, read on to learn four ways to prevent medical malpractice:
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Appoint a Primary Care Physician
Instead of visiting different doctors whenever you become ill or injured, appoint one primary care physician. He or she will become familiar with your medical history and allergies. This can improve your overall medical treatment. Also, if you visit several doctors, you may eventually consult a negligent physician.
Make Sure Your Doctors Are Communicating
Even a minor surgery may require a team of doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals. If different specialists are handling your treatment, ask questions to make sure they are communicating. In particular, you should ask physicians if they have consulted your primary care doctor.
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Choose a Specialist Doctor and Hospital
Certain medical conditions require specialized treatments. If you have persistent problems related to the heart, eyes or other organs, choose a primary care specialist. Do your homework to find a doctor with the necessary qualifications at a reputable health-care institution. Although most hospitals can treat a wide range of conditions, some have good reputations for specific treatments.
Make Sure Your Health-Care Providers Wash Their Hands
Doctors and nurses must follow strict protocols to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one of the most effective preventative measures that health-care workers can take is to wash their hands. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse to wash his or her hands prior to an examination.
If you were the victim of medical malpractice, you should not have to pay for the resulting medical expenses, time off work and other losses. Contact a Monroe personal injury attorney from Morris Bart, LLC at 800-537-8185 to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
