When we visit doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare providers, we expect them to meet a high standard of care and provide solutions to help us feel better. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case in healthcare settings. Some medical providers are careless or negligent, which puts their patients at risk of suffering debilitating injuries and complications. Some victims of medical malpractice even battle life-threatening side effects as a result of healthcare workers’ mistakes.
Whether you’re going in for a quick checkup or an invasive surgery, you count on your healthcare provider’s skills and judgement to provide the best possible treatment. However, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that you get the care you need. You can help protect yourself from medical malpractice by following these steps:
- Bring a family member or friend to your appointments. When you’re sick or hurt, it can be difficult to keep a clear head during appointments. You may miss important details or forget questions you wanted to ask your healthcare provider. Having a third party present for your appointments can help you remember more information and ask about any potentially dangerous prescriptions or diagnoses.
- Take notes after meeting with healthcare providers. It’s important to be as informed as possible about your treatment. However, doctors and other providers often cover large amounts of information in short amounts of time. Take notes about your treatment plan during or after your appointment so you can better prepare yourself for the days, weeks, and months ahead.
At Stewart & Stewart, we know that medical care can sometimes be a double-edged sword. It saves countless lives every year, but when doctors, surgeons, and nurses aren’t attentive, innocent lives are put at risk.
If you or someone you love were hurt by a medical mistake, an Indiana medical malpractice lawyer is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.