Medical professionals are dedicated to helping patients. That said, they aren’t perfect; even doctors, nurses, and others in the health care field make mistakes. Every patient should know the signs of medical malpractice and their legal rights if they suspect they are a victim.

5 Signs of Medical Malpractice

1. You Aren’t Getting Better

Misdiagnosis is one reason for a medical malpractice lawsuit. If the doctors think you have one illness and treat you for that ailment—while missing the real cause of the symptoms—your condition won’t improve. If you are receiving treatment but not getting better, question your doctors.

2. Diagnosis Is Based Solely on Lab Tests

Any diagnosis should involve a thorough physical exam and discussion with the doctor to explain your symptoms. Be wary of any definitive diagnosis that is given solely on the basis of a lab test. It does happen that labs make mistakes. Ask for a full exam and request a different lab to analyze the results.

3. Your Condition & Treatment Don’t Match

Another common basis for a medical malpractice lawsuit is a patient receiving more involved treatment than they need. If you think you are receiving unnecessarily invasive testing or surgical procedures, ask about less intensive options. Ask another physician for a second opinion as well. 

4. The Health Care Facility Seems Understaffed

Every patient has a right to a certain standard of care, and health care facilities should have sufficient staff on hand to provide this. If you feel this isn’t the case and your care is being compromised as a result, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

5. An Error Was Made in Your Treatment

Maybe a surgical team forgot a sponge inside you during an operation—or perhaps a nurse slipped up in administering the medications, under-dosing you. Any kind of mistake that was made in your treatment can lead to a lawsuit. 

If you think you have a medical malpractice case, contact Neimark & Neimark in New City, NY. They serve clients throughout Orange and Rockland counties. This law firm is focused solely on personal injury cases, including medical malpractice. You can view testimonials from some of their satisfied clients online. For a consultation, call (888) 725-7424.