Patients can help avoid malpractice by becoming their own advocates and learning everything they can about their specific medical conditions, researching all prescribed medications and other treatments, and investigating doctors before deciding on which one is the best fit for them.
Understand that medical malpractice is not your fault. A health care professional’s negligence, whether by act or omission, is his own responsibility.
However, it’s still important to be your own advocate by educating yourself about your medical condition, fully researching and understanding your medications and other treatments, and “interviewing” doctors before making a final decision.
First, educate yourself about your specific medical condition. Look for scholarly documents on your specific illness or disorder at your local library or on reputable medical websites.
Plus, there are many advocacy and even government organizations out there that provide educational literature about specific conditions. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you’d greatly benefit from reaching out to the American Cancer Society for information about your specific kind of cancer and the latest research on treatment options.
Second, research any medications and other treatments you’re prescribed.
Don’t just blindly swallow a pill; read up on its side effects and any other potential risks as well as any clinical trials and studies you can find. Talk with your doctor about all possible options and work with him or her to make the best possible decision for your condition.
Also Read : Top 10 Things You Want to Know About Medical Malpractice Cases
Third, instead of making a doctor’s appointment with the first website or number you see listed – or just accepting the specialist referral your primary care physician recommends – do some research.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to make appointments with several different doctors. You don’t have to commit to one just because your best friend said he or she was the best, or because you had an appointment with him or her. Spend time investigating several doctors before making your decision. This applies to seeking second opinions, too.
If you’re in the West Palm Beach or Port St. Lucie area and believe you’re the victim of a medical malpractice situation, contact the law offices of Fetterman & Associates, PA right away.
Call 561-845-2510 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding your specific situation and how we’ll move forward with your medical malpractice case.
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