How can you help avoid being the victim of medical malpractice?

Friday April 8, 2016

As patients, many people feel like they’re helpless to prevent malpractice. In many cases, that’s true. However, there are ways that we can lessen the chances of receiving inadequate or improper care.

First, by staying healthy, you minimize the need to see a doctor, undergo surgical procedures and take medication. Simple things like eating right and staying active can go a long way toward spending less time in the doctor’s office.

Don’t be afraid to be your own advocate. Many people hesitate to question their doctors. However, you should ask questions and take time, whenever it’s possible, to make decisions regarding whether to undergo a treatment or procedure. This can include getting a second opinion. If your doctor doesn’t welcome questions, find another one.

Doctors may not enjoy hearing that their patients have been poking around on WebMD or other medical sites because in many cases the information doesn’t apply to a particular patient. However, these sites can be an important source of information and at least give patients ideas for questions to ask.

Always tell your doctor the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If you don’t disclose your complete medical and family history, you risk having serious complications from medication and procedures. Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if you don’t think they’re significant. He or she can’t provide the best care unless he or she has all of the necessary information.

It can be very difficult for patients and families to know whether an injury was unavoidable or if it was the result of negligence or error by a medical professional. Medical malpractice attorneys can work to determine whether you have a medical malpractice case.

Source: U.S. News, “Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You,” Erika Schwartz, M.D., April 06, 2016

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023

KJSR Attorney Stephanie Roberge Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024
Insights

KJSR Attorney Stephanie Roberge Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024

12

September
2023

KJSR Attorney John Kennedy Jr. Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024
News

KJSR Attorney John Kennedy Jr. Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”: 2024

8

September
2023

News

Six KJSR Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers® Award Recipients: 2024

21

August
2023

What To Look for in a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Articles

What To Look for in a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

18

August
2023

How to Know Who Is Liable for a Construction Site Accident
Insights

How to Know Who Is Liable for a Construction Site Accident

11

August
2023

Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit: What To Know Before Filing
Articles

Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit: What To Know Before Filing

7

July
2023

How To Choose a Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyer
Articles

How To Choose a Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyer

5

July
2023