There are no guaranteed outcomes in medicine, but in most cases, it is possible to reasonably predict how a medication will work or what type of procedure is most beneficial for a specific problem. Doctors are responsible for carefully evaluating a patient’s need and being thorough when recommending surgery or a treatment plan. Negligence, incompetence or simply failing to listen to patient concerns can result in detrimental consequences.
Medical malpractice can result in harm to an Illinois patient that is not only painful, but potentially debilitating or fatal. Mistakes by medical professionals may be the reason you are suffering, but you do not have to suffer alone. If you think it’s malpractice, what you do next is important, as you could have grounds to move forward with a civil claim at some point in the future.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect that you are a victim of some type of medical malpractice, it is important to start by talking with your care provider. This can help you understand whether your treatment met a certain standard of care or what went wrong in your situation. Your doctor may help you, but if he or she doesn’t, it may then be necessary to contact the appropriate medical licensing board.
After this, it is important to seek an evaluation to determine if your potential civil claim has merit. You can do this by getting an assessment from another medical professional. This will establish that you suffered because of the negligence or reckless choices of a doctor you trusted to provide you with adequate medical care. It may be possible to pursue a fair out-of-court settlement, but litigation may be appropriate if the other party is unwilling to negotiate.
Don't Leave Money on the Table
It’s important to remember that medical malpractice insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They may offer you a settlement that does not reflect the true value of your case, or they may not be willing to negotiate a fair amount of compensation. If you attempt to navigate this process on your own, you may be leaving money on the table.
This is why it is important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you at every step of your malpractice claim. If you are unsure if what you experienced counts as malpractice, or you want to learn more about the legal options available to you, it is in your interest to seek an assessment of your case as soon as possible.