When a New York resident goes to the doctor or another medical professional, that person expects a certain level of care. However, it is possible that a procedure will not go as hoped. In some cases, a patient may be worse off after a procedure than he or she was before the error occurred. Those who are the victim of a medical expert’s mistake may want to take legal action.
While this may be an option for some, not every error made by a doctor or surgeon rises to the level of medical malpractice. As a general rule, patients should get an explanation as to what went wrong from their doctor or from the hospital where the error occurred. However, it is also possible that a patient will not get an explanation out of fear that it may increase the odds that he or she pursues legal action.
Those who are considering a lawsuit may want to consult with an attorney first. This might make it easier for an injured patient to determine if he or she has a case worth pursuing. If the answer to that question is yes, victims may need to prepare themselves for a court battle that may last several months or years.
If a person is the victim of a surgical error, it may degrade that person’s quality of life. This may mean that a victim is unable to work, interact with family members or take part in other activities. If negligent behavior caused the error to occur, a patient may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future earnings. An attorney may use patient records, statements made by doctors or other evidence to show that negligence played a role in a mistake occurring.