Medical malpractice is a common occurrence in today’s world despite the best efforts of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. These cases can be very complicated, which is why it’s always important to work with a medical malpractice attorney. So, what are the first steps you will encounter in a medical malpractice case?
Before you even decide to file a claim, you should speak with the medical professional who will be at the center of your case. Try to figure out exactly what went wrong and if the professional can fix the situation before you move forward.
If you don’t make progress contacting the medical professional in question, reach out to the proper licensing board about your situation. For the most part, the board will not be able to force the professional to compensate you, but they can issue warnings to the doctor or nurse as well as dole out discipline.
You should know your statute of limitations for filing a claim so you do not pass the date. In California, you have one year from discover or three years if the injury is known.
Plan a visit to a third-party medical professional for an assessment of your condition. This should be done by a professional who is not associated with the one involved in your claim. This evaluation should be able to tell you whether or not your case has any merit to proceed.
If you believe you are the victim of medical malpractice, a Pasadena medical malpractice attorney can provide more information about your situation. This is not the time for you to represent yourself in court when your health is at stake.
Source: Findlaw, “First Steps in a Medical Malpractice Case,” accessed Oct. 25, 2017
