Medical malpractice is a serious epidemic in the United States. Offenses can range from failing to disclose important medical information to actively injuring patients while providing care. Though cases may differ in severity, any kind of malpractice is likely to have lasting effects on its victim. If you suspect that you are one of these victims, you might be wondering how to prove your claim.
According to Forbes, over $3 billion is paid out from medical malpractice lawsuits each year. This is no small number, and it reflects the fact that malpractice is a grave issue to be taken seriously. Regardless of what kind of claim you have, evidence is crucial, and the following three items may be important to your case.
1. Documentation of injury
The first thing you should do after your injury becomes apparent is to obtain documentation from another medical provider diagnosing and confirming your condition. It goes without saying that you should not return to the doctor who is responsible for the injury. Seek out care from another provider and get a clear diagnosis from them so that you can begin on the road to recovery.
2. Verification of injury’s cause
In addition to obtaining a diagnosis, you should be sure to seek clarification as to the cause of your injury. This is often a point of contention in medical malpractice cases. If a doctor’s misdiagnosis harmed you, this might have caused illness, but something else could have caused your illness, too. Identifying medical neglect as the cause of your injury is key.
3. Advice given by doctor
Ultimately, your interactions with the medical professional who harmed you may be some of the most important evidence you can provide in your case. You should record and maintain any written communication or other recollection of the advice given by the offending doctor for the purposes of your case.