5 Myths About D.C. Medical Malpractice
When a patient is seriously injured or dies after medical treatment, it does not automatically mean medical malpractice. But a bad outcome, a consent form, or not knowing exactly what went wrong does not automatically mean there is no case either.
Medical malpractice may happen when a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare provider fails to meet accepted medical standards and that failure causes serious harm.
Here are five common myths that can prevent patients and families from asking important questions.
Taking the First Step in Your Medical Malpractice Case
Attorney Frank Kearney explains what to do first when you believe a medical mistake may have caused a serious injury.
Myth 1 A Bad Medical Outcome Automatically Means Malpractice
Not every complication, unsuccessful treatment, or unexpected result is medical malpractice.
The important question is whether the healthcare provider failed to give the level of care that a reasonably careful provider would have given in the same situation, and whether that failure caused serious harm.
Medical records and a review by a qualified medical expert are often needed to answer that question.
Myth 2 Medical Malpractice Only Involves Surgical Mistakes
Medical malpractice is not limited to obvious surgical errors. It can also involve a missed or delayed diagnosis, failure to act on test results, medication or anesthesia errors, poor monitoring, or mistakes during labor and delivery.
Depending on what happened, a doctor, nurse, medical practice, hospital, or another healthcare provider may be responsible.
Myth 3 Signing a Consent Form Means You Cannot File a Claim
Signing a consent form does not automatically prevent you from bringing a medical malpractice claim.
Consent forms explain the known risks of a procedure. They do not give a healthcare provider permission to provide care that falls below accepted medical standards.
A known complication does not automatically prove malpractice either. The treatment and medical records still need to be reviewed.
Myth 4 You Need to Know Exactly What Went Wrong Before Contacting a Lawyer
You do not need to understand your medical records or know exactly who made the mistake before asking for help.
Many families only know that the patient suddenly became worse, treatment was delayed, or the explanation they received does not make sense. Start by telling us what happened. Our team can determine which records and information may be needed to look into the medical care.
Myth 5 You Have Plenty of Time to Look Into a Possible Case
Medical malpractice cases have strict deadlines, and the rules are different in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Reviewing a possible case also takes time because medical records may need to be collected and reviewed by qualified medical experts. It is better to ask questions early, even if you are still receiving treatment or do not yet know the full extent of the injury.
Do You Have Questions About a Possible Medical Malpractice Case?
If you or a family member suffered a serious injury or death after medical treatment in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, talk to us. We will listen to what happened and help you understand your next step.
Call us at 202-393-3320 or schedule a free and confidential call here.
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