Patients often have a certain level of trepidation before undergoing a medical procedure. For the most part, surgery and other more minor medical procedures are usually safe, however, there is always the possibility that you may have a medical event during the procedure or worse still, your doctor may make a mistake. It happens, and it happens to thousands of patients every year in the United States.

So, how can you avoid being a statistic? Well, it is not so simple. Yes, finding a doctor who is very experienced and has a proven track record is important, but even highly skilled professionals make errors. Personal injury attorneys understand that while the expectation for first-class medical care should be the norm, negligent care from a trained professional means you have received substandard care, for which you should be compensated for the harm that you suffered.

Medical Procedures and Their Risks

Malpractice is not always attributable to lengthy complicated surgeries, but sometimes routine procedures which go terribly wrong. When a doctor, other medical professional, or medical facility doles out care and treatment below what would be reasonably expected of a similarly qualified professional under the same circumstances, you may have a viable case.

Here are some examples patients should be aware of:

  •  A child with a fever not treated promptly or effectively leading to sepsis and amputations
  •  Birth defects
  •  Botched endoscopic or cosmetic procedures
  •  Improper or inadequate anesthesia
  •  Incorrect medication prescribed, or incorrect dosages given
  •  Medical devices causing injury either during or after insertion
  •  Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a treatable condition

Unfortunately, the possible scenarios are endless. And while seeking compensation for your injuries is important, so is sending a message to the community at large that medical care needs to be delivered in a competent way so others do not have to suffer the same fate.

Understanding the Consent Form

Prior to medical procedures, patients or their families are given a myriad of paperwork to complete, one being a patient consent form. This form is essentially a communication from the medical provider that outlines all the risks and benefits of the proposed procedure and what complications would fall within the acceptable risks of the treatment.

If you underwent a procedure and experienced serious injury other than the typical risks you were informed of, you may have an actionable case. Consulting with an attorney to assess your circumstances is advisable.  

Legal Options

In the event you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury at the hands of a doctor or due to a systemic failure to provide competent care at a medical facility, statutory time limitations do come into play. You must file a claim before that date passes, usually within two years from the date of the negligent conduct. In your initial consultation with your attorney, he or she can determine what that date is.

Finding the right personal injury attorney to represent you is key. A medical malpractice attorney Naperville, IL turns to from The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian can truly understand how unfair it is to have experienced a serious but preventable injury. They will fight to win a monetary settlement to compensate for your economic losses, medical and rehabilitation expenses, and your pain and suffering.