It’s the unfortunate reality that medical malpractice does happen. Doctors make mistakes. Some make mistakes or errors that they never should have with the appropriate training.
Patients who are suffering as a result of malpractice need to be understood, cared for and compensated fairly.
Medical negligence is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. It’s estimated that approximately 200,000 people die from medical errors yearly.
Patients can take steps to stay safer, so if you’re going into see a doctor for treatment, consider these tips.
1. Always verify what treatment is being performed
One thing that can help you is to make sure you know which treatment is going to be performed and to take steps to verify that each time you see your provider. They should be willing to go over the procedure with you prior to starting.
2. Make sure the file is for the right patient
Next, make sure you’re the right patient. If your doctor comes in to see you, they should verify your name and age, especially if you’re going to go into surgery, for example.
3. Speak up if something seems wrong
Finally, say something if you don’t feel right or if you think something isn’t okay with your treatment. Being your own advocate may help you catch a medical provider’s errors.
Our website has more information on medical malpractice and what you can do if you’ve become a victim of medical mistakes or errors. Your health is important, and medical providers should be held accountable.
