Louisiana residents who seek treatment from a medical professional likely expect to be treated with the utmost care. After all, the reason a person goes to see a doctor or nurse is to get better — not worse. However, in some cases, it is possible to go to a medical professional and end up with a worsened condition. In such cases, it may be possible to pursue legal action in order to obtain compensation from the party at fault.
But first, some may be wondering where to start immediately after a suspected medical malpractice case occurs. There are some general steps to consider after an incident that may prove helpful in the long run. First, it can help to contact the doctor or medical professional the victim was treated by. This can help the victim gain an understanding of what occurred. In addition, this gives the doctor a chance to determine what went wrong. Sometimes, a doctor may be willing to perform services — in some cases, free of charge — that could potentially correct a problem.
Contacting the relevant medical licensing board can be a helpful next step. If the medical professional was unable to do anything to remedy the situation, the medical professional may be able to take disciplinary action. They may also be able to advise you as to your next steps.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to get a consultation from a medical malpractice lawyer. A medical malpractice lawyer can help determine the validity of a case, and help a victim decide what their next steps are. Sometimes a victim is able to successfully pursue compensation, which can help them pay for medical bills and other costs associated with the malpractice.
Source: FindLaw, “First Steps in a Medical Malpractice Case,” Accessed on April 17, 2017
