When it comes to your health, your relationship with your doctor should be one in which you’re able to place the utmost level of confidence and trust. Dealing with a medical condition or illness is already stressful; when negligence enters into the equation, the consequences can be dire.
Medical professionals are only human, and thus can make mistakes. The severity of those mistakes, however, can deeply affect your health and well-being. In extreme cases, these mistakes can cost you your life, or take the life of a loved one. When malpractice results in the death of a family member in Downers Grove, it’s time to contact a local wrongful death lawyer.
Medical malpractice is more common than you may think. Business Review USA says that medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in America, and cites the Journal of the American Medical Association on the amount of malpractice cases filed per year: over 85 thousand. And ProPublica’s report on the violation of patient privacy indicates that the spread of patient health information without their consent can also count as malpractice.
When it comes to spotting signs of medical malpractice, the following are three red flags to watch for:
1. Errors with medication or surgical sites.
Whether it’s due to a wrong diagnosis or erroneous prescription, medication errors can be a serious threat to your health or your life. When a prescription error causes an allergic reaction or serious side effects, the outcome can be deadly.
Additionally, surgeries performed on the wrong patient or on the wrong surgical site can result in serious injury or death.
2. Wrong diagnosis.
A wrong diagnosis can lead to further errors with medication or unnecessary surgeries and treatments. Seeking a second opinion when current treatments are ineffective is one way to discover if you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed.
3. Lack of communication or follow-up.
Lack of information can be deadly, and when medical information is withheld or test results are not processed and delivered to you or your loved ones in a timely fashion, health risks can greatly increase.
There are other signs to watch for when it comes to malpractice, but this list offers a decent starting point for evaluating care and trusting your gut. If you’ve lost a loved one due to medical negligence, law firms like Woodruff Johnson & Palermo can offer assistance. You may have a case for a lawsuit, and be entitled to compensation.
Medical malpractice can result in a lawsuit, and Woodruff Johnson & Palermo can help you if you’re in need of a wrongful death lawyer in Downers Grove. Contact us today for a consultation.
