Red Flags That Suggest You May Be a Victim of Medical Malpractice

 Posted on November 20, 2019 in Medical Malpractice

Past studies reported by Forbes have estimated that 12 million Americans are misdiagnosed by health professionals each year, which makes up 5 percent of all patients who seek out doctors for answers to their health concerns. Considered by many experts to be an epidemic, the issue of medical malpractice takes many different forms, from medication and pharmaceutical errors to surgical, emergency room, and birth injury errors. Frightening accounts of medical malpractice cases are regularly amplified in the media and talked about in our communities, but many patients are still unsure of how to protect themselves and their families as they turn to their physicians for help. It is one thing to hear of someone else’s experience with a medical error, but it becomes an entirely different matter when it happens to you.

Signs You May Have Experienced a Medical Error

One reason the occurrence of medical malpractice is so alarming is that medical errors are often a silent threat. Many errors go undetected, sometimes for months or years, before they are discovered. The most practical, effective way to stay on top of your health is to be your own healthcare advocate. This means taking preventative measures to reduce your chances of becoming a medical malpractice statistic. You can do this by researching your conditions, symptoms, and medications before you begin any plan of treatment, and doing your homework on the provider you have selected before deciding to become a patient. If you are concerned that you may already be a victim of medical negligence, here are some common warning signs that you may have a medical malpractice claim on your hands:

• The pharmacy provided you with the wrong medication - Maybe the label on your prescription was incorrect, or you noticed you were given an incorrect dosage or a dosage different than what you discussed with your doctor during your office visit. Whether your instincts tell you that something is off about your prescription, or you discover a blatant error, any medication mistake should be taken very seriously.

• Your symptoms are worsening, or you notice new symptoms - If you have been diagnosed and prescribed medication with a treatment plan but notice your symptoms have been getting worse, not better, this may be an indicator that something is wrong. Additionally, if you have started a treatment plan for a diagnosed condition but are now noticing new symptoms that were not present before, this could also mean you were misdiagnosed.

• Your second opinion says otherwise - Seeking out a second opinion for a diagnosis, especially when you feel uncertain about your initial diagnosis (or lack thereof), is an excellent way to advocate for your health. If you find that your second opinion differs greatly from your original diagnosis, there is a chance you have encountered a form of medical malpractice. 

• New problems or symptoms have emerged after a surgical procedure - It is common for healthcare professionals to brief patients on possible side effects of surgeries, sometimes requiring you to sign paperwork that confirms you have been informed and that you acknowledge the potential risks. However, any unexpected developments following a procedure are still a red flag and should be addressed before it is too late.

Contact an Arlington Heights Medical Negligence Attorney

Nothing is more precious or valuable than your health. If you fear you have been a victim of any type of medical error, it is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable Palatine medical malpractice lawyer right away. You do not want to wait until your condition worsens due to a medical professional’s negligence. At the qualified law firm of Newland & Newland LLP, we can help you recover and reclaim your life. Call our office today at 847-797-8000 to schedule your free phone consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/basics.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928391/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2014/04/22/12-million-americans-misdiagnosed-every-year-study-suggests/#744e08e423bc