When you go to a doctor, it is with the expectation that you will receive care that meets a certain standard. It can be devastating for a Tennessee patient to suffer harm or additional medical issues because of a lack of quality care while seeing a doctor or in the hospital. Medical malpractice is unacceptable, and victims have the right to hold liable parties accountable.
If you think this is a reasonable course of action for you, how should you move forward? As a victim of medical malpractice, the thought of filing a civil claim may seem overwhelming to you at this time. Before you proceed, it can help to seek a full understanding of how the civil claims process works and what you can do to protect your interests as you proceed.
The next steps
When there is a problem with the care you received, you can take several steps to remedy the situation and get the right treatment and support you need. The ultimate goal is for you to get whatever you need to get better, recoup your financial losses and move forward with your life. Some of the actions you can take after experiencing a medical malpractice incident include:
- Speak with the doctor or care provider – It is possible that he or she will provide additional care you may need free of charge.
- Contact the appropriate licensing board – If the doctor does not help you, the licensing board may be able to issue a warning to the doctor and help you understand how to proceed.
- Have a medical evaluation – This step can help you obtain documentation that verifies your current medical condition and how the treatment you received affected your health.
- Learn about your legal options – Seeking the counsel of an attorney can help you understand how long you have to file a claim, how much your claim may be worth and how to initiate the civil claims process.
Many victims of medical malpractice are able to settle their cases out of court. If offered a settlement, you have the right to negotiate and pursue a final settlement that reflects the true value of your case, including your current and long-term needs.
The aftermath of a medical malpractice incident can be overwhelming. You do not have to walk through these steps alone or represent your own interests when negotiating a settlement. You will find significant benefit in having the support and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.