Five Steps to Take When Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

Medical malpractice can ruin your life. As a result of malpractice, you can sustain serious injuries and a poor prognosis. In turn, this can cause your medical expenses to increase, prevent you from going to work, and leave you with significant pain and suffering. This is not acceptable at all. That is the reason you must do everything to hold the negligent medical provider accountable for your injury. A Medical Malpractice Attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve for the harm caused to you. They will give you expert guidance and support at every step of the way. Here’s what you should do to get a maximum chance of recovery:

Get Your Medical Records

Medical records can outline your story. It can include a list of the observations and orders of your doctor as well as complications you may have experienced. Thus, they paint a detailed picture of  what your doctor did. You can use these records to demonstrate the reason such actions result in a breach of the reasonable standard of care the doctor should have p practiced. 

Speak with the Doctor

Before your intention to take legal action against your treating doctor, speak with them first to better understand what occurred and you developed the injuries. A lot of doctors can be honest about the mistakes they make. If you can get relevant information from the medical expert, use this to support your malpractice claim. 

Secure an Affidavit

Before you file a claim, secure an “affidavit of an expert competent to testify, which is a sworn statement to the merits of your case. A qualified medical professional should write this affidavit. Keep in mind also that you only have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim.

Speak with Experts and Witnesses

Consult with experts who can attest to the causation and the extent of your damages. You can seek help from your own doctor and an employment expert. Make sure to also contact witnesses such as nurses or other medical staff. 

Determine Your Goal

Many medical malpractice cases get settled before they are brought to court. Thus, if you choose to settle your case with the opposing party, know your chances of getting a reasonable settlement offer from them. Also, know what you can expect and what you are looking to get out of the settlement before you accept it. If you are not sure about this, your attorney may be able to help you.