When you go to the doctor, you entrust them with your health. But, sometimes, even doctors make mistakes.
This occurrence happens more often than you may think. An estimated 225,000 people die each year from some version of medical malpractice. In fact, a 2018 report showed it was the third-leading cause of death in the US.
Perhaps you’ve experienced medical malpractice in your life. If so, it may have caused severe problems for your health.
In cases like these, you can hire a lawyer to sue that doctor and gain compensation for this malpractice. The question is, when is it a good idea to hire a lawyer?
If that’s what you’d like to know, keep reading! We’ll list five signs for this in the guide below.
Has a Misdiagnosis Harmed Your Health?
The first sign you should hire a lawyer is if you’ve received a severe misdiagnosis. Sometimes, a misdiagnosis doesn’t have much of an effect. In other cases, it could have dangerous consequences.
A worst-case scenario is that you may receive the wrong treatment. These could cause serious repercussions.
If you’ve experienced this, hire an attorney. The best lawyer can ensure you receive the compensation you need.
Your Illness Got Worse Because of a Medication Mistake
When doctors misdiagnose your condition, they often prescribe you medication. If you don’t have the sickness they think, your medication could worsen the condition.
These issues can cause you to enter the hospital for several days. If so, your local lawyer can fight for compensation for your medical bill.
Contrary Second Opinions
If you dislike your current treatment, you can always seek a second opinion. Consider this option even if you’ve been using your primary care doctor for a long time.
A second opinion can help you avoid misdiagnoses. Likewise, it can help you evade treatments that could prove harmful.
Consult a local attorney f your second opinion differs significantly from the first. This difference could suggest that one doctor is not performing their work correctly.
Does Your Doctor Ignore Your Concerns?
Doctors have a great deal of expertise in how the human body works. But, nobody knows your body quite as you do. A doctor should listen if you experience side effects or symptoms that raise red flags.
Sometimes, though, doctors may ignore your concerns. In doing so, they may cause your condition to worsen. In these cases, hiring a local attorney is one of the best things you can do.
Nonresponsive Insurance Providers
Medical malpractice lawyers don’t always address doctors. Sometimes, insurance companies stonewall their clients and refuse to provide the assistance they need.
In these cases, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company for you. Many insurance companies become compliant when they realize you have a lawyer working for you.
As you can see, there are other types of malpractice that aren’t as obviously noticed. Check out this article on medical malpractice to ensure you stay prepared at all times.
Hire a Lawyer to Get the Compensation you Need
Any time your doctor’s treatment causes your health to worsen, it’s wise to hire a lawyer. The first rule of the Hippocratic Oath is to “do no harm.” If a doctor causes harm, they’ve violated the rules of their profession.
So, consider working with an attorney to get the compensation you require. This way, you can receive additional funds to help you get your life back on track. Find a lawyer near you today!