| Medical malpractice is all too common, yet | | | | · If injuries or physical decline are |
| few of us are prepared for it or know what to | | | | visible take photos, and have before photos |
| do if it happens to us or to someone we love. | | | | on hand as well |
| The impact can range from a minor | | | | |
| inconvenience to death. The nature of the | | | | Financial records |
| error and the severity of your injuries will | | | | |
| determine what you must do. Here are some | | | | While you may not be compensation or |
| basic steps you should take. | | | | reimbursed for every loss or expense, it is |
| | | | important that you, your attorney, and the |
| Obtain all of your medical records | | | | courts have an accurate picture of the |
| | | | financial impact of your injuries. Keep a |
| Do this as soon as possible to avoid any | | | | record of any financial damage you have |
| changes or falsification being made in your | | | | incurred due to the incident including: |
| records. Alterations are rare, difficult or | | | | |
| impossible to prevent, and difficult to | | | | · Lost wages |
| prove, but if proven there are stiff | | | | |
| penalties involved. A doctor can lose his or | | | | · Additional medical care or procedures |
| her license and institutions, such as | | | | you have required as a result of the |
| hospitals can be fined or sanctioned. In some | | | | malpractice |
| cases, if a health care provider cannot or | | | | |
| will not provide medical records in court, | | | | · Travel expenses required for obtaining |
| the court will rule in your favor on that | | | | additional medical care |
| basis alone. | | | | |
| | | | · Therapy, counseling, or any other |
| Obtain an independent medical evaluation | | | | services required to deal with the emotional |
| | | | and psychological trauma |
| Your attorney will advise you on obtaining an | | | | |
| independent medical evaluation. This is one | | | | · Special equipment needed to deal with |
| of the most important steps in a medical | | | | disabilities or impairment |
| malpractice case. It may be necessary for you | | | | |
| to be evaluated by a specific practitioner. | | | | · In-home care |
| | | | |
| Document your experience | | | | · Other necessary paid services including |
| | | | housekeeping and childcare (unfortunately |
| Write down everything that you can remember | | | | help from family members does not usually |
| about your experience from your first contact | | | | count, with the rare exception of wages lost |
| with the health care provider to the last, | | | | due to providing direct care to the victim) |
| including but not limited to: | | | | |
| | | | · Moving expenses should your injuries |
| · Symptoms you spoke about any actions | | | | require moving to obtain ongoing care, due to |
| they recommended in response | | | | physical limitations, or due to loss of |
| | | | income |
| · Any and all communications with staff | | | | |
| | | | Journaling |
| · Voicemails you left, whether or not you | | | | |
| got a response, and, if so, how long it took | | | | You may be entitled to compensation for pain |
| to get a response | | | | and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. |
| | | | |