The First Steps to Filing Your Medical Malpractice Claim
Like with most things in the legal world, the first steps of a medical malpractice claim are often the most crucial. Medical malpractice claims are sought out by those patients who have been harmed or injured due to poor or negligent medical treatment or even a mistaken diagnosis from a provider such as a physician, nurse, or some type of medical technician. Medical malpractice claims are some of the most common forms of personal injury cases around, however, despite how common they might be, only around 3% of all cases filed end in any actual payout by the negligent party. Therefore it is vital that you follow the the crucial steps to filing such a claim, and it is important to acquire the services of a qualified personal injury lawyer, like Dade City medical malpractice attorney Anissa K. Morris, Esq. Having practiced for many years in and around Dade City medical malpractice attorney Anissa K. Morris has built-up an exemplary track record of results for her clients. She has helped a number of individuals and families get the justice they deserve as a result of the negligence on the part of a medical provider. Especially when it comes to tricky jurisdictions in Florida, like Dade City medical malpractice attorney Anissa Morris is the perfect person to help guide you through the process and make sure you do not make any of the common errors that end up costing claimants in the long run. Here are some of the most important beginning steps to getting your claim resolved.
Get in Touch With the Provider
This may seem to be strange, but before you file a medical malpractice claim against an individual it is important to get in touch with them, to in a way, get their side to things and see if the issue is correctable. This is important, as in certain circumstances when the medical issue is easily corrected, you are unlikely to be rewarded damages. Therefore, rather than waste money and time on a claim that you may not win, it is best to see if you can get the medical issue resolved. This will also allow you to properly get an understanding of what may have occurred or “went wrong”. Of course, it is important to consult an attorney such as Dade City medical malpractice attorney Anissa K. Morris, beforehand. Depending on your specific case, speaking with the doctor may actually harm your case – thats why you should consult your attorney about each of these steps.
Statute of Limitations
During the early stages of considering a medical malpractice claim it is important to be aware of the statute of limitations within your specific area. In most circumstances the statute of limitations is approximately 2 years for areas of Florida like Dade City medical malpractice attorney Anissa Morris however, has been able to assist clients in getting more time due to things like the providers conduct or some type of fraud that prevented the patient from discovering the actual malpractice. For instance, a patient who had breast implant surgery done using poor quality implants, yet she did not discover this until after 2 years when the implants began to leak. In instances like this a qualified attorney will be able to help you argue for an extended statute of limitations.
Get a Medical Assessment of the Issue
One of the most important parts of a medical malpractice claim is obtaining expert proof of malpractice occurring. In order to prove your malpractice, it is important to get an opinion of a medical specialist to make a ruling on the injuries or issues you might have suffered while under the previous doctor’s care. The more well-known and respected the physician who provides your assessment, the better. Often times your lawyer will help you with this, as they may have physicians they regularly use t testify on behalf of their clients.
File a Complaint with the State Medical Conduct Board
For the most part, every state’s department of health has a medical conduct board. Once you suspect any medical malpractice, it is important to file a complaint with the state’s conduct board, reporting the negligent medical provider and his/her actions. While they cannot ensure you are compensated, they can document a formal complaint of the physician. This will strengthen your case in the long run and help your attorney prove negligence easier.
Medical malpractice can be difficult to navigate on your own, but when you acquire the services of a qualified personal injury attorney like Anissa K. Morris, Esq. they will be able to guide you through the intricacies of the claim and ensure you do not make any of the common mistakes that may cost you monetary compensation in the long run. For more information on medical malpractice or any other facets of personal injury, contact Anissa K. Morris, Esq. today.