We trust doctors and other medical professionals to provide us with the expert care we require to get better. However, despite their years — and in many cases decades — of training and experience, they can still be just as fallible as any other person. Depending on the scale of their mistake or dangerous action, it can put the health and safety of their patients at serious risk.
At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we understand just how devastating it can be when a doctor’s actions actively harm you or your loved one. Our Louisville medical malpractice attorneys have the experience and legal expertise you can count on to fight for and secure the maximum compensation possible. If you were seriously harmed by a doctor’s negligent actions, contact our firm today to learn more about your legal options.
How Can I Tell When a Doctor is Being Negligent?
Understanding and being able to identify the telltale signs that your doctor’s actions may be negligent and potentially harmful can be tricky but are important for both taking proactive steps to protect yourself and to build a lawsuit after the harm has been done. Some of the most common forms of medical malpractice include:
- There are many ways that a misdiagnosis can occur, ranging from misreading test results to failing to order the necessary tests in the first place.
- Medication errors. Whether your doctor prescribed the wrong medication, prescribed the incorrect dosage, prescribed too high pr frequent of a dosage, or any other issue involved with your medication, it can potentially be considered medical negligence.
- Delayed diagnosis. While not all cases of a delayed diagnosis can be considered negligence, there are many cases where the doctor’s refusal to order certain tests that could have caught the issue early enough to treat it, or ignoring potential clear warning signs can lead to sever harm and can be considered medical negligence.
- Failure to obtain informed consent. Many treatments are incredibly invasive and can have serious side effects that negatively impact the patient for the rest of their life. If the doctor pushes for a treatment like this and fails to properly inform their patient of the risks, they can potentially be found negligent in court.
- Performing the incorrect treatment. This tends to typically occur in surgical procedures where either the wrong body part is operated on, or in extreme cases, the wrong patient is operated on entirely. This can be caused by clerical errors or other forms of miscommunication, but can also affect patients who are given the wrong medication, are taken to the wrong facility for treatment, and more.
Taking legal action against a medical professional can be extremely difficult when not handled by an expert. Medical malpractice claims have multiple requirements that must be met in order to even reach trial, which is one of the many reasons why it’s vital to work with a law firm you can trust to handle your case.
If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury because your doctor was negligent in their care, you have the right to fight for the compensation you are owed. At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, our medical malpractice attorneys are committed to providing our clients with the knowledgeable and compassionate care they require in their time of need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm.
