If you recently underwent a medical procedure but you did not achieve the results you were hoping for—or serious complications have since arisen—you may be wondering if you were the victim of medical malpractice. Although there is a chance you received substandard care, it is important to remember that healthcare is an imperfect science, and every procedure comes with certain risks.
Even doctors who are committed to providing exceptional care can end up treating patients who do not respond well to treatment. As long as the healthcare professional remains attentive to the patient’s needs and does not deviate from the accepted and reasonable standard of care, malpractice has not occurred.
When doctors are negligent or breach their duty of care, though, the patient has a right to sue for any damages that result. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than most people realize.
According to Forbes, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in this country. If you think you were the victim of medical negligence but you’re not sure how to prove it, contact the Robson Law Firm.
We have recovered more than $26 million for our clients, and we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury lawyer in Austin.
How Do You Know If You Have Been the Victim of Medical Malpractice?
Since every malpractice case is different, there is no single test to determine if you received substandard care; however, there are some general signs of malpractice that apply to a lot of cases. For example, you may have a valid claim against your healthcare provider if:
- Your condition is not improving or is worsening;
- Your entire diagnosis was based on a single kind of lab test that was performed once;
- Your provider did not administer the most common diagnostic tests before resorting to more invasive measures;
- Your healthcare team is reluctant to answer your questions regarding the care you have received;
- Your diagnosis was delayed for an unreasonable amount of time; or
- Your provider failed to follow up with you regarding your condition.
If any of the signs mentioned above apply to your situation, that does not automatically mean you were the victim of medical malpractice; however, if at least one of them sounds familiar and you have other reasons to believe you received substandard care, it is worth discussing your case with an injury lawyer.
By filing a successful malpractice claim, you can recover compensation for the costs associated with the injuries you sustained as the result of your provider’s negligence. Damages to consider when calculating a fair settlement might include hospital bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. In the state of Texas, claimants may also be eligible for punitive damages if their provider’s actions were especially egregious.
If you think you were the victim of medical malpractice and you want to sue your provider, contact the Robson Law Firm for quality legal guidance during every stage of the proceedings. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free consultation with an injury attorney in Austin. You can learn more about malpractice claims in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.