You always expect that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers will provide you with the best care and address all your medical needs. However, there are occasions where something goes wrong. Sometimes, a mistake occurs that leads to serious injury, illness, or even death. If you are in this situation, it can be a very scary and stressful time, and you may not know what steps to take next.
What is Medical Malpractice in Texas?
In Texas, medical malpractice occurs when a patient sustains an injury or death because of negligent acts or omissions by a doctor or other healthcare provider. The treatment you receive must have been below the accepted standard of care in the medical community. Most cases of medical malpractice involve a form of medical error or misdiagnosis.
Doctors, nurses, dentists, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers can all be liable for medical malpractice in Fort Bend.
Although it can be challenging to accept, a bad medical outcome does not automatically mean that a healthcare professional did something wrong. However, billions of dollars are paid out every year to the victim of medical malpractice, so it is important to take action if you are subjected to substandard treatment. If your claim is successful, you will receive monetary compensation for your losses and damages.
What are Common Signs That You Were a Victim of Medical Malpractice in Texas?
It is helpful to know what to look for determining whether you were a victim of medical malpractice. The following are five common signs that suggest medical malpractice in Texas:
- You are not getting better. If your condition worsens or stays the same after you have begun treatment, your doctor may have misdiagnosed you. A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have grave consequences. If caught early enough, many conditions can be treated and cured. If you are not getting better, it could also suggest that your practitioner performed the wrong procedure or left an object inside your body during surgery.
- Your physician did not order a standard or additional tests. If a doctor fails to order standard tests, such as X-rays, EKGs, or ultrasounds, they may not be doing enough to properly diagnosis your condition. Additionally, in many cases, follow-up tests are necessary.
- Your physical did not take your complaints seriously. If you feel as though your doctor is not listening to your symptoms and concerns, it may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit in Texas. Your concerns should not be disregarded or ignored.
- You received a different second opinion. Receiving a different second opinion could suggest that your doctor misdiagnosed you.
- The medical facility is understaffed. Medical malpractice is more common in understaffed facilities. The lack of time and resources can result in patients not receiving proper medical attention.
What Should You Do If You Think You Were a Victim of Medical Malpractice?
If you think that you or a loved one were the victim of medical malpractice in Fort Bend, there are steps that you can take to help you get the compensation that you deserve.
- Document your interactions. Because it is such a stressful time, it may be difficult to recall important details, and memories can fade. As you receive care, you should document dates, names of healthcare providers, prescriptions, dosages, and any other relevant information. You should also take time to record all important conservations that you have with your healthcare providers.
- Request your medical records. Under the law, you are entitled to a copy of your medical records. You should not tell your healthcare provider that you are requesting your records because you want to file a lawsuit or plan to speak with an attorney. You may need to go to different locations and fill out written requests to get a complete set.
- Find an experienced attorney. You should contact a local Ford Bend attorney with experience in medical malpractice lawsuits. Medical malpractice is a complicated and specialized area of the law. You need a qualified attorney on your side to get the compensation that you deserve. There are time limits on when you can file a suit, so it is important not to hesitate in finding an attorney.
Your Fort Bend Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you suspect that you or a loved one were a victim of medical malpractice, you should reach out to a qualified Sugar Land attorney as soon as possible. Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will evaluate your case and provide the best possible representation. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.