Doctors have a duty to provide patients with the best possible care, according to the U.S National Library of Medicine. However, health-care providers still make mistakes, which is why insurance companies pay billions of dollars each year to victims of medical malpractice.
A surgical error, medication mistake or another form of medical malpractice can have lasting – and potentially fatal – consequences. If you or a loved one was the victim of a medical worker’s mistake, then you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, loss of consortium and other damages.
An Austin injury attorney from the Robson Law Firm can evaluate your case to determine if you may have grounds for a claim. We can gather evidence and aggressively fight for the maximum compensation.
Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit http://medical-malpractice.usattorneys.com/ to learn more about medical malpractice claims.
Here are five steps you should take immediately if you were the victim of medical malpractice:
1. Talk to Your Doctor
The moment you realize that something is wrong, it is important to discuss it with the doctor who was responsible. At this appointment, ask your physician what happened and what options are available to resolve the problem.
Complications after surgery are common, but most are normal and easily treatable. You may even find out that the issue is not serious, and your medical provider is willing to treat it without extra cost.
2. Contact an Injury Attorney
The advice of a medical malpractice attorney can prove advantageous. He or she can investigate your case to determine if you have valid grounds for a lawsuit.
These cases are legally complex and often require independent medical examinations and expert testimonies. Your accident lawyer should be able to help you arrange these.
3. Learn the Statute of Limitations
According to Texas Statutes, you have two years to file a claim of medical malpractice. This begins on the date of the injury.
The statute of limitations will prevent you from claiming after this period expires, so make sure you do not miss this deadline. If you do, then the court will likely dismiss your case and you will not be able to recover any damages.
4. Get an Independent Medical Examination
The doctor and his or her legal team will likely order an independent medical examination. However, you should request one even if the at-fault physician does not. If another doctor testifies that the liable physician acted in a way that another physician would not have acted in similar circumstances, then the independent medical examination could strengthen your claim.
5. Consider Settling
Most personal-injury cases settle out of court. However, you should never settle until you know the long-term cost of treating your injuries. Your accident lawyer can advise you on whether he or she thinks you should settle or take the case to trial.
If you were injured by a health-care worker’s negligence, contact the Robson Law Firm. An Austin injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and avoid mistakes that could compromise your claim.
We have recovered more than $26 million for our clients. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a consultation.