Every time to obtain medical care, you run the risk of receiving negligent treatment. One-third of the deaths that occur in the United States are the result of medical mistakes. In fact, about 250,000 people die from medical mistakes every year in the US. In addition, there are countless others who are seriously injured due to medical mistakes. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell when injuries have occurred. If you believe you've been the victim of medical negligence, you need to speak to an attorney right away. Here are four signs that you've suffered from medical negligence.
Your Condition Isn't Responding to Treatment
If you've been receiving treatment for a condition, but your symptoms aren't improving, you may be the victim of medical negligence. With proper treatment, your condition should improve. Unfortunately, doctors won't always acknowledge when their prescribed course of treatment isn't right, or doesn't fit the actual cause of your symptoms.
You Haven't Received the Appropriate Tests
If you've been diagnosed with a medical condition, but your doctor never ordered the necessary tests required for an accurate diagnosis, you should talk to an attorney. Negligence can occur when doctors rush to make a diagnosis without ensuring that the proper tests are conducted, including lab tests. If the diagnosis you received required additional testing, ask your doctor to schedule those tests. If they refuse, schedule a second opinion and consult with an attorney.
Your Doctor Prescribed the Wrong Medication
Prescription errors can also lead to instances of medical negligence. These instances often involve being prescribed the wrong medication or the wrong dosage. If you've been prescribed the wrong medication for your particular medical problem, been prescribed medication that you're allergic to, or received medication that adversely reacted to other medications that you've already been prescribed, you may be the victim of medical negligence.
You Were Injured During Surgery
When you go in for surgery, you don't expect to come out with additional injuries. Unfortunately, negligence can occur during surgery. When it does, serious injuries can result. Some types of negligence involving surgical procedures include surgical equipment being left inside your body, internal organs being injured by medical devices such as scalpels, and unsanitary tools being used during the procedure. If you suffered injury during a surgical procedure, it's time to consult with a medical negligence attorney.
If you suspect that you've been the victim of medical negligence, contact an attorney near you immediately. They can help you receive the care and compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained.