What to Do If You Are a Victim of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious tort that can injure and kill unsuspecting patients. As a patient who might be the victim of medical malpractice in Maryland, it is up to you to protect your rights. Taking swift action against the alleged defendant is crucial. Reporting the physician and contacting a lawyer right away can ensure you do not miss any important deadlines or filing requirements. Take the following steps toward financial compensation if you believe you have a medical malpractice case.

• Protect Your Personal Health

Put your health and safety first. Do not continue receiving care from the physician or healthcare center you suspect of medical malpractice. Switch physicians, making sure to migrate your health and treatment records. You do not need to tell your existing physician the reason for the switch. Your new doctor can act immediately to correct the medical mistake and get you back on track for proper treatment. A new doctor will protect your health while you spend time handling the rest of your medical malpractice case.

• Follow the New Treatment Plan

Following your new physician’s orders is important for your health and wellness as well as to the outcome of your case. Make sure you keep copies of your treatment-related documents and prescriptions and provide them to your attorney if requested.

• Gather Information

Building your case is something your lawyer can do, but it helps if you begin the process early on. Request copies of all your medical records from your previous doctor or healthcare center. Your records will have detailed information about the practitioners you saw and the treatment you received. Document your experience in as much detail as possible, keeping a record of who handled your patient care, what happened, and what you suspect went wrong. Describe your symptoms, injuries, or illness. The more information you document about your case, the stronger it will be later.

• Start Learning Your Rights

As the victim of a preventable personal injury, you have rights in Maryland. Start to research these rights with help from a lawyer. Your rights as a patient include the power to expect high standards of care from your physician. A breach of duty of care, that causes injury, is grounds for a medical malpractice case. Also learn important facts about bringing a medical malpractice case in the state, such as your statute of limitations on filing. A conversation with one of our attorneys can help you understand clearly what your rights are.

• Hire an Attorney

Once you have received the quality healthcare you need and collected information about your case, contact an attorney. Our Baltimore firm offers free, zero-obligation consultations so you can get the information and answers you need free of charge. We want to help you explore your rights and take action against the allegedly at-fault doctor or hospital. A lawyer can investigate your case, identify who may be liable, and help you preserve and collect key evidence. A lawyer can also take over communications with the defendant and his/her attorneys and insurance company.

• Focus on Your Health While Your Case is Underway

After hiring a lawyer, you will not have to worry about the legalities of your lawsuit. Your attorney will handle the legwork of your case while you focus on healing. You will not have to – and you should not – contact the allegedly at-fault doctor again. Your lawyer will handle all interactions with the physician and/or healthcare center on your behalf. This will ensure that your rights and best interests stay protected during the legal process. Contacting other parties involved could hurt your case, not help. You should also avoid posting about your injuries or lawsuit on social media.