To avoid injuries or illness due to medical malpractice, there are a few things you can do. First, as a patient, it’s vital that you communicate with your medical provider. Build a healthy relationship in which you share health information, symptoms and other information with your provider. You should always feel comfortable with your provider and the suggested treatment plan. It’s wise to get a second opinion or to consider going to a different medical provider if you do not agree or feel threatened or pushed into a treatment.
Another thing you should do is to keep all your documentation. Your medical provider should write down everything you tell him or her, from symptoms to things you’re currently stressed over. This may all be vital information that helps create a treatment plan that works well for you.
Every written document should have legible writing, the date and time, the doctor’s signature and information on what took place during the visit. You can ask for copies of your medical paperwork at any time, and the medical provider should never make excuses or fail to provide them to you in full.
Another thing to always make sure you receive is an informed consent paper. This document states everything that could go wrong with an operation or treatment or allows you to indicate that your doctor has discussed those risks with you. The form gives you the right to consent to treatment. Your medical provider must discuss this with you before you receive treatment. Failing to do so is a breach of the law and an offense that you could seek a malpractice claim for if you are hurt.
Source: eMedCert, “10 Simple Tips To Avoid Malpractice Claims,” Adam Rapp, accessed Jan. 26, 2017
