Medical malpractice is a frightening reality–in fact, a study by Johns Hopkins found medical error to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. When you’re dealing with health issues, the potential of malpractice should not be added to your list of worries. Lasky Justus Law has laid out ways you can advocate for yourself and take preventative measures to help avoid a medical malpractice case.
Do you feel you’ve experienced medical malpractice and aren’t sure where to turn? Lasky Justus Law is here for you. Contact us today to speak with an attorney in Savannah, GA.
Why is it Important?
It’s important to remember that healthcare professionals are only human, which means they can make mistakes and misconduct. Unfortunately, this can lead to drastic and life-altering situations. Medical malpractice is out of your control, but there are steps you can take to lessen its likelihood. Properly self-advocating will make you much less likely to experience malpractice. Or, in the event that malpractice does occur, taking these steps may make your case much more manageable.
5 Ways to Self-Advocate:
1. Communicate Clearly
Be specific about details and speak confidently. Only you can truly know what you’re going through–your doctor can only guess based on what you’ve told them. If you feel that your doctor isn’t listening to you, don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. This sends the message that you are serious and proactive about your health.
2. Prepare Notes to Bring
In the moment, it can be tricky to recall specific symptoms or dates off the top of your head. Taking notes of the issues you’ve been dealing with to read off to your doctor will help you remember every necessary detail and receive a thorough examination. It will also give you peace of mind to have covered all the bases.
3. Ask Questions
An essential part of self-advocating is asking questions. Having a set list of questions helps your doctor better understand your concerns and how to address them. It also ensures that you don’t forget or leave out any crucial information. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor clarifying questions in the moment. They have a deeper knowledge of medical terms and concepts, so if they explain something in a way you don’t understand, ask them to clarify.
4. Bring a Partner or Friend
Everyone could use some moral support. In times of medical stress, you may not be in the right headspace to think rationally or pay close attention to details, and that’s okay. Having someone you trust to join you in the appointment will provide a second set of ears and an additional perspective. Not only can they help advocate for you and speak to your symptoms, but they can also catch things from the doctor that you may have missed. You can compare notes after the appointment to form an even more informed opinion.
5. Know What Red Flags to Look For
When talking with your doctor, be sure to pay attention to any potential red flags. These could include your doctor not listening to you, brushing off questions or concerns, or not practicing proper care or awareness. This may mean that it’s time to search for a new provider or get a second opinion.
Most importantly, don’t ignore these signs–take note of any discrepancies or alarming behavior from your healthcare provider. This could greatly benefit your case should something occur down the road.
Protect Yourself from Medical Malpractice–Choose Lasky Justus
There are many steps you can take to advocate for yourself when talking to your doctor–but you can only do so much. If you experience medical malpractice, it is NOT your fault. You need a trustworthy attorney to stand by you and protect your rights.
At Lasky Justus Law, we have over 40 years of experience in prosecuting medical malpractice cases, which puts us at a unique advantage when representing medical malpractice victims. If you live in the Savannah, GA, area and need a medical malpractice attorney, get in touch with Lasky Justus Law today.
