Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people—if not more—every single year. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, malpractice usually has devastating consequences that can last a lifetime.
If you believe you were a victim of medical malpractice and you want to hold the liable party accountable, here are a few tips for putting together a compelling claim:
Do:
- Document Everything: It’s imperative to document every aspect of your subsequent treatment, including the correspondence you have with your providers, the drugs you are prescribed, and the test results you receive. You should also make sure to preserve all the records associated with the treatment you received prior to the incident, as they will undoubtedly serve as valuable evidence.
- Seek Care Elsewhere: Visit another doctor for adequate care as soon as possible. This will not only ensure the prompt treatment of any complications but will also start a paper trail comprised of legitimate documentation in the form of medical records.
- Consult an Attorney: While patients are not required by law to enlist legal help before suing for malpractice, it’s generally advisable to secure representation. Since we live in a fairly litigious society, providers anticipate claims, and they’re prepared to challenge every single one that comes their way. Hiring an attorney will essentially level the playing field, so you don’t have to worry about taking on a resourceful doctor or practice alone.
Don’t:
- Postpone the Proceedings: There’s always a lot to do when recovering from serious complications, but if you put off filing a claim, you could find yourself with no legal recourse. In addition to losing time-sensitive evidence, delaying the proceedings could mean being unable to move forward at all. If you eventually get your claim underway, for example, but the opposing party refuses to offer a fair settlement and the statute of limitations has passed, you won’t be able to file a formal lawsuit.
- Correspond with the Insurance Companies: No matter how sympathetic they might seem, the insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect the carrier’s bottom line, and that might mean taking what you say and spinning it, so they can use it against you in court.
- Sign Anything Without Reviewing It Carefully: If you’re asked to sign anything in the aftermath of the incident—e.g., liability waivers, insurance forms, alternative dispute resolution contracts, or settlement agreements—make sure to scrutinize the terms line by line first. If even a single clause seems like it might not be in your best interests, do not sign the document until you’ve consulted an attorney.
Speak with a Houston Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you think you were the victim of medical malpractice, you deserve compassionate and strategic counsel, and you’ll find it in Chelsie King Garza, P.C. A seasoned litigator, Chelsie Garza has successfully handled complex suits in both state and federal courts.
Unlike some attorneys, Chelsie personally handles every case she takes on, and when you call the office, you’ll get to talk directly to her. To discuss your situation with this Houston medical malpractice lawyer, call 713-893-8808 or submit her Contact Form.
