Despite their education and training, doctors are susceptible to human error, just like anyone else. Unfortunately, making a mistake in patient care can have serious, and sometimes life-threatening, consequences. When healthcare professionals fail to provide treatment that follows the medical standard of care, patients may seek compensation for medical malpractice. However, it’s not always obvious when malpractice has occurred. Here are a few signs to watch for that may indicate you have a legal claim.

How to Know if You’ve Experienced Medical Malpractice 

1. Your Condition Isn’t Improving 

If you've followed all of your doctor's recommendations, but you haven't improved, you may have been misdiagnosed or given an improper treatment plan. Although medical care isn't guaranteed to cure your symptoms, you should be wary if your condition remains the same or worsens over time. If this is the case, get a second opinion from a credible medical professional. If they diagnose you correctly, you may have a medical malpractice case.

2. There Was an Error During Surgery 

Surgical errors are a leading cause of medical malpractice claims. Examples include leaving tools or other foreign objects in the body, administering too much anesthesia, and operating on the incorrect person or body part. If new problems arise after you've undergone surgery, this could be due to a mistake made by your surgical team. 

3. You Didn’t Give Informed Consent

Certain medical procedures and treatments place patients at risk for potential complications. As such, doctors are responsible for making sure patients understand both the benefits and the risks associated with these procedures and treatments. Failing to provide this information means there is a lack of informed consent. To successfully bring a medical malpractice claim, you must show you would have declined the procedure or treatment had you known the risks involved.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC. With over 70 years of combined experience, they can explain your options for taking legal action. Based in Poplar Bluff, MO, they’re proud to provide residents throughout southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas with aggressive representation, and they have a proven track record for maximizing compensation. Call (573) 686-2459 to get the support and guidance you need for pursuing a case, or visit them online to learn more about medical malpractice.