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Four Ways to Spot a Negligent Doctor and Possibly Save Your Life

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Four ways to spot a negligent doctor and possibly save your life

Medical malpractice is becoming more common in recent years. It can be alarming how many people are the victims of such an unfortunate incident. According to Forbes.com, $3 billion was spent on medical malpractice cases alone, in the year 2012. It might seem scary to go somewhere and expect quality treatment, and instead be the victim of an accident. Thankfully, there are ways that you can prevent this from happening. Medical malpractice is something that no one should have to deal with, and when prevention is exercised, it is possible to avoid it, but following these suggestions.

Research Your Doctor

A little investigative research can go a long way. If you are preparing for surgery, or want to get to know your doctor better, it pays to learn all you can about him or her. Taking the time to research your doctor for malpractice. Taking the time to find out their experience, where they went to school, and seeing how they communicate can tell you a lot about what type of doctor they are. While only you can determine what type of doctor is best for you, it’s important to get to know the person who will be providing care to you. Keep in mind that while interviewing a doctor may seem intimidating, you have every right to do so.

Get an Advocate

An advocate is someone who will speak up on your behalf when you cannot. This could be anyone, from a family member or friend, to an association focusing on patient’s rights. If you are undergoing a medical procedure that will make it difficult for you to be aware of what is going on, or there is no one nearby who can be with you during the process, this might be the right solution. No matter what type of surgery you are undergoing, you deserve to feel safe and unafraid to speak up, or have someone do it for you. Even if nothing goes wrong, you will feel comfortable, knowing that there is someone helping you to fight for your rights in getting you the correct help, and keeping you as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Find Legal Counsel

If you feel that you might be on shaky ground, and are otherwise unsure of your position as a patient in regards to potential medical malpractice, it is in your best interest to consider a lawyer who is skilled in fighting against a negligent medical professional. If your rights have been violated because of a medical malpractice issue, a lawyer will be able to help you sue for money lost in any kind of surgery that was done to correct the problem, assist you in fighting for wages that you lost while off work, and prevent the doctor from acting in such a manner that causes the same problem for another patient. Medical malpractice can leave you in a place that makes you feel uncertain of how to handle the future, or what direction to take next. With an attorney who is experienced in this particular field, and knows the best way to fight for your rights in a case, you can feel comfortable putting your trust in a professional.

Have an Alternative Doctor Lined Up

If you believe that your doctor wants to do something that is negligent, or is not in your best interests, get a second opinion before you consent to doing anything. Having a second opinion from a medical professional you trust can put to rest any fears you have, or it might alert you that perhaps there is a better way to accomplish your medical needs than what your primary doctor is suggesting. A doctor who is experienced in a similar specialization and has seen cases the same as or similar to your before can be helpful in clearing up any misconceptions about what you truly need to be healthy, and what is optional.

No matter what type of procedure you need to have, there are various ways you can ensure that you are not the victim of medical malpractice. You can take steps to prevent this by checking out your doctor’s background, and even getting a second opinion, if you are unsure of your primary doctor’s suggestions. You can also have an advocate, who will speak up for you if something does happen. An attorney who has experienced in medical malpractice will be a great asset if you find yourself going to court. By taking these steps, you can feel safe and protected no matter what happens.