Don’t Let Medical Negligence Sideline You
When you go to the doctor, you trust your provider, as well as the nurses and other medical staff to provide you with the best quality care. You never think that you could be the victim of medical negligence.
Medical negligence continues to plague healthcare today. People suffer injuries, illnesses, and permanent damage to their bodies because their doctors or nurses acted with negligence. If you become the victim of such medical disregard, you may have legal actions available to you. It would be wise to consult with a legal professional, such as one in the Virginia area if you live in the Dominion state, before having any major surgery done. Some causes of injuries include:
Overburdened Doctors and Nurses
It is well known that doctors and nurses are working more hours than ever today. Many providers work days on end with no respite or relief. Their long hours at work leave them open to making mistakes as they treat patients. They may become confused, severely fatigued, and distracted as they write orders, prescribe medications, and refer people to other providers. Even so, you could take action against a doctor or nurse who made a mistake due to long hours.
Inexperienced Residents and Temps
To save their operating budgets, many hospitals and medical clinics have taken to relying more on residents, interns, and temp workers. These providers often lack the experience and empathy to be able to treat patients effectively. If you are given the wrong treatment, harmed while undergoing a procedure, or left with scars or marks because of an inexperienced medical care worker’s neglect, you may also pursue action against that provider and the medical facility.
Even though medical facilities are operating with less money today, patients must still be treated with sufficient care and attention. With these circumstances possibly awaiting you at your next doctor’s visit, you do not have to resign yourself to gambling on your provider’s attentiveness and knowledge. You can take actions to protect yourself from medical negligence.
Lack of Experienced Providers
Many doctors mentor residents and interns. Even so, you can protect yourself and your family against negligence by insisting that only an experienced physician treat you. You do not have to resort to being a test subject for a resident newly out of medical school. You have the right to advocate for yourself and your family by entrusting your health to an experienced doctor.
What to Do to Protect Yourself
1) Schedule Appointments Early in the Week – If you plan on visiting your primary care doctor, you can ensure that he or she is well rested if you schedule your appointments on Mondays or Tuesdays. Many primary care doctors take the weekend off to relax. He or she may come back to work focused, rested, and ready to care for you.
2) Trust a Lawyer When You Experience Negligence – If you are the victim of negligence, you should trust your legal plans to an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Your attorney will know the laws in your state and help you form a plan of action in recouping damages. Hiring a local attorney as soon as possible can help minimize the negative effects the medical negligence could have on your life.
No guarantee exists that your next medical visit will go perfectly. Medical negligence continues to happen every day. You can protect yourself and your family by taking the appropriate course of action before and after your medical visit.
Debbie Nguyen is a designer, writer, blogger, mother and daughter to a wonderful father who died prematurely because of medical negligence at a reputable hospital.