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