Prevent Medical Malpractice

10 Steps to Prevent Medical Malpractice

Less than 1% of doctors actually ever commit medical negligence but it is a serious problem that can affect anyone regardless of age, race, or gender. Thousands of people die in hospitals each year due to medical malpractice, many of these cases can be addressed and assisted by a clinical negligence solicitor.

It is apparent that clinical negligence is a serious and widespread problem. Medical negligence is committed when a health care worker fails to provide adequate health care by a purposeful act or exclusion and results in injury to the patient. Some common types of medical negligence include, but are not limited to; misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, and nursing home abuse. Medical negligence is illegal in the United States and there are laws against it. Even though you can report medical negligence, there may be nothing done about it. Medical negligence is widespread and deadly, but there are steps you can take to prevent it.

Ten things you can do to prevent medical negligence.

• Be active and involved in your health care. Know what is going on and ask a lot of questions.
• Make sure your health care providers are always aware of the medications you are taking.
• If you are given a new medication, know how to take it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
• If you are going to a hospital, make sure the hospital you are going to has had many patients with your same health care needs.
• Ask the health care workers who are in contact with you if they have washed their hands and are using clean instruments.
• Do not be afraid to speak up when you are unsure of something.
• If surgery is being done, make sure to know exactly what is going to happen. Confirm with your doctor that you are on the same page.
• Ask your health care providers about the status of your condition and the results.
• If you have a loved one in the nursing home be sure to make frequent visits and monitor your loved one’s condition.
• Before you are admitted to a nursing home or admit a loved one there, make sure to thoroughly research the nursing home. Talk to staff and people that have had experience at that particular nursing home.

Remember, doing some of these steps may be uncomfortable but it is good preventative action against medical negligence! If you have been a victim of medical negligence, it may be wise to contact an expert who will be able to assist you with your case.