Medical Malpractice Lawsuits and How To Deal With Them
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a life-changing experience. Not only do you have to face a severe medical problem, but also cope with the challenges of filing a lawsuit. An enormous amount of time, energy, and money are at stake.
Aside from the legal issues, you must deal with the psychological stress of filing a lawsuit. Litigation can involve hostile confrontations with hospital executives, medical professionals, and defense lawyers. In addition, the process can drain your energy, put a strain on finances, and force you to reveal highly personal information.
Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Claim Isn’t for the Faint of Heart
It also isn’t easy. More than 80% of medical malpractice claims end with no payment to the injured party or their survivors. However, it is also the only way to get fair compensation for your injuries.
Getting the compensation you deserve is a serious challenge, but it isn’t impossible. Consult with experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Columbus Ohio as soon as possible to go over your legal options for recovery.
Handling the Legal Challenges
Once you suspect you are the victim of medical malpractice, take the following steps to maximize your chances of winning in court.
Do Not Talk to the Parties You Intend To Sue
You may be tempted to contact your doctor to demand an explanation. Do not make this mistake. Some courts have considered such contact a pre-suit communication that starts the clock on filing a claim. This mistake can cause you to fall outside the statute of limitations and prevent your claim.
Consult Another Doctor
Taking care of your health is your first concern. See another doctor. If you have been misdiagnosed or suffered inadequate care, you need to correct the problem. The doctor’s treatment plan will focus on handling your current medical condition.
Find a Malpractice Lawyer
Get an experienced medical malpractice attorney involved in the process as soon as possible. Most patients have no experience dealing with medical malpractice and can make mistakes that damage their cases. A skilled lawyer can guide you through both professional and personal issues, plus relieve the stress of not knowing what you’re doing.
Demand All Medical Records
Succeeding with a medical malpractice claim will require evidence. You should immediately demand your medical records from every medical professional and facility involved in your care. You have a right to your medical information under federal law.
Your doctors must comply. You should demand these records before you file suit. That way, you will prevent your providers from altering documents that reveal their negligence. Nearly one-third of all malpractice claims involve miscommunication between the doctor and patient or between medical providers. The medical records can help your attorney discover these failures.
Keep a Journal
Write down all of the experiences connected to your medical injury. The journal can help you recall your pain and suffering for your later medical claims.
Relieving the Stress Caused by Litigation
Maximizing your chances of winning your claim isn’t your only challenge. You also must handle the stress involved in pursuing a lawsuit. The following tips can help you get through the process:
Lean on Your Support System
Litigation is stressful. Don’t hesitate to talk to your friends and loved ones about the experience.
Stay Calm
A lawsuit is an adversarial process. Defense lawyers might threaten you with a countersuit or vilify you. Remember that it’s something of a game, and the other side will “blow smoke” trying to get an edge.
Don’t Ignore Other Aspects of Your Life
Litigation can be all-consuming. However, it isn’t the only thing important to you. Don’t ignore your job, family responsibilities, or your personal life. Also, exercise is a great way to relieve stress.
Be Frugal
Even if you eventually win your claim, lawsuits can be expensive. You may have to front numerous costs before obtaining a settlement or winning an award (which can be years down the line).
Winning Can Be Difficult but Not Impossible
The process of filing a lawsuit can be a challenge. However, with the right team of lawyers on your side, you can face anything! Seek legal counsel as soon as possible to increase the chances of success of your case.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. He aims to draw in the public and make people more interested in the field. He is active on multiple platforms to increase his outreach to the public. Leland tirelessly covers all types of legal issues, but he has a personal preference for medical malpractice. This is mainly because he witnessed the implications of medical malpractice on a family member.
