When other parties cause you harm, you have the right to hold those parties accountable and seek appropriate compensation. However, you may feel unsure of your options or if you even have a case, especially if you believe you might be the victim of medical malpractice.
Victims of any type of medical malpractice have rights. As a Florida resident who experienced suffering because of the negligent or reckless actions of a medical professional, doctor, surgeon or hospital, it can be beneficial to take steps to protect your interests. It is smart to first seek a complete explanation of the options that might be available to you.
Proving malpractice is complicated
It is not easy to prove you are the victim of medical malpractice of any kind. While many health setbacks and complications are simply side effects of serious medical conditions, there are times when these are the direct result of medical negligence. In order to have a successful civil claim, you must have clear and strong evidence of the following:
- A clear duty to provide quality care owed to you by the doctor
- Explanation of what the duty of care meant in your individual situation
- Deviation from the standard of care and breach of the duty owed to you
- Physical, financial or emotional suffering that resulted from that deviation
Doctors are responsible for providing quality care to every patient, regardless of how minor or significant the individual condition may be. Even slight mistakes, such as an incorrect medication dosage, can lead to significant suffering by the patient.
Medical malpractice can include a missed diagnosis, delayed diagnosis, improper care after surgery, wrong medications prescribed to the patient, wrong-site surgery and more. An evaluation of your case can determine if you are a victim of medical malpractice and how you can proceed.
Protecting yourself as a victim
You would be prudent to take immediate action to protect your interests. Medical malpractice cases are complex, and doctors and hospitals often have the protection of large, intimidating insurance companies. You do not have to walk through the aftermath of your incident or the claims process alone.
If you believe you have grounds to pursue financial compensation through a civil claim, you have no time to lose. Important evidence can degrade over time, and the sooner you seek help, the sooner you can start to develop your claim against the appropriate liable parties.