When you go to the doctor for a diagnosis, treatment, or procedure, you are under the assumption that you are in good hands. While in most cases, this is certainly true, there are other times when a doctor actually causes a patient harm due to negligence. By being aware of common signs that medical malpractice may be happening, it can help people feel empowered to take action sooner. Here are just a few red flags to be wary of when receiving medical care:
Doctor Failed To Order Basic Tests
Depending on your diagnosis or medical condition, your doctor must abide by protocol and order tests that will assess what is going on. By finding out at a later time that standard tests were not ordered by your doctor can be a sign that the doctor or facility in itself does not function as it should.
Returning To Outpatient Post Procedure
Outpatient procedures are known for being some of the more straightforward and simple procedures, where patients are in and out within a few hours or so. Furthermore, the risk of complications with these procedures tend to be quite low. So, if you have to return to the hospital because of a complication, then malpractice may have occurred.
Infections After Undergoing a Procedure
Before having a procedure done, you will likely be asked to sign a consent form that states you are aware of the risks associated with that procedure. However, patients often just glance at this document and assume the best of their doctor’s ability. Many patients do not realize that despite signing this document, they may still have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit if something went terribly awry. Infections, abscesses, and new symptoms that develop after a procedure could mean medical malpractice is a factor.
As our medical malpractice lawyer would share with clients, it’s important to put your health first and seek legal assistance if you suspect medical malpractice has happened to you.
