According to a recent study, one-third of medical practice cases that cause death or permanent disability happen because of a doctor’s negligence. As a result, it’s become one of the top three causes of American casualties.
No one expects to ask a doctor for help and feel worse afterward than when they initially started their treatment. But unfortunately, it’s a possibility.
Have you been to the doctor for treatment recently and feel as if your daily life is suffering since? If so, then you should file a medical malpractice claim. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is a Medical Malpractice Claim?
A med mal claim is a lawsuit that you bring against a doctor when you feel like you’ve been injured due to their negligence. Some common claims you’ll see are:
- Misdiagnosis
- Under or overtreatment
- Physical impairment
- Prescription-related deaths
These are just some categories that medical negligence falls under. However, if you feel like your doctor has harmed you, then you should file a med mal injury claim. Here are some steps you should take.
1. Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you’re considering filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you’ll need to hire a lawyer. They’ll be essential in dealing with the ins and out of your case.
It would be challenging to handle a medical malpractice case by yourself because you’ll need to worry about:
- Filing deadlines
- When the injury first occurred
- Pre-lawsuit requirements
But by hiring an experienced attorney, you’ll have a better chance at a successful lawsuit.
2. Get Your Medical Records
After you contact an attorney, you’ll need to obtain your medical records. Your lawyer will need access to them so they can start working on your medical malpractice lawsuit.
The earlier they get your records, the more opportunity it gives them to get medical opinions from other professionals. With more professional evidence, it’s easier to strengthen your case.
3. Give Notice To Health Care Providers
You should notify your doctor of the potential lawsuit, whether formally or informally. Depending on where you live, this may be a prerequisite for filing your claim.
Once notification of your suit is received, insurance providers may opt to give you a settlement offer before the case goes to trial. But confer with your attorney to figure out how you want to deal with the situation.
4. File Your Claim
The last step is drafting and filing your claim in civil court. Whoever is named in the suit will be notified once the paperwork gets processed.
Typical medical malpractice cases last two – four weeks, but they can be even longer if the issue is complex. That’s why it’s hard to know when to expect your medical malpractice settlement. But if your case is strong, you’ll get rewarded.
File a Med Mal Claim With Ease
Now you know how to file a medical malpractice claim. By following the steps above, you’ll have a better chance for a successful case and getting the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, feel free to read our other blogs for related content.
