Do You Know These 5 Signs of Medical Malpractice?

Photo of a pen resting on an informed consent sheet.

Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and navigating the legal process can be difficult without the right information. Knowing the signs of medical malpractice is important for any patient who has suffered harm at the hands of a healthcare provider. We discuss five common signs of medical malpractice that you should look out for.

1. Unnecessary Treatments or Procedures

If your doctor recommends treatments or procedures that are not medically necessary, it could be a sign of medical malpractice. Unnecessary treatments or procedures can cause serious complications, so asking questions is important before agreeing to any treatment plan.

2. Poor Communication

All doctors and healthcare providers must communicate clearly with their patients about diagnosis and treatment options. Poor communication between a doctor and their patient could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, which can seriously harm a patient’s health and well-being.

3. Inadequate Follow-Up Care

Healthcare providers must provide adequate follow-up care after a procedure or surgery has been completed to ensure that patients are recovering properly. It could be a sign of medical malpractice if you don’t feel like your doctor is providing appropriate follow-up care.

4. Lack of Informed Consent

Before any medical procedure or surgery is done, patients must provide informed consent by understanding the risks associated with the procedure and how it will affect their health in the long term. If you feel like your doctor did not properly explain the risks before performing a procedure on you, this could be considered medical malpractice.

5. Understaffing

Understaffing in a medical facility is not only dangerous to the quality of care that its patients receive, but it may also be an indication of medical malpractice. Faculty short-staffing means supply and quality of care cannot match patient demand, leading to hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare units being inadequately staffed. This can lead to negligence due to a lack of resources, poor training for employees, unsanitary conditions for patients, or failure to diagnose or treat conditions promptly. While any one item alone may not be a sign of medical malpractice, taken in combination with other practices at the facility, it can show misconduct on behalf of the healthcare provider.

Albuquerque Medical Malpractice Attorneys

The above are just a few examples of what may constitute medical malpractice; however, this list is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns about your healthcare provider's conduct, it is always best to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in these matters.

At Curtis & Co., we dedicate a significant portion of our practice to medical malpractice law. If you were hurt or if your loved one died as a result of suspected medical malpractice, reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help. We offer free initial consultations and do not collect any attorney fees or litigation-related expenses unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

For a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice attorneys, call (505) 871-3740 or reach us online using our secure contact form.

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