Finding A Good Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Article by New York Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice Prevention

It is difficult to estimate exactly the number of people who are victims of medication errors in the US each year. But it is no doubt that this number is very high and steadily increasing. Medication errors are the cause behind a medical malpractice case or a wrongful death action. There are several reasons leading to medication errors, inluding improper order communications, improper product labeling or instructions, compounding, dependency, prescribing among others.

 

In a study performed by the FDA involving fatal medication errors from 1993 to 1998, the most common error was related to the administration of an improper dosage of medicine which accounted for 41% of all fatal medication negligence. The administration of the wrong drugs and using the wrong means of administration each accounted for another 16% of the fatalities. 

 

Almost one half of the cases involving  medically negligent situations occur in people over the age of 60. The reasoning behind the higher percentage of 60 and over deaths is due to the multiple medications that are often taken by this demographic.  When you are prescribed a medication, have all issues and information described to you: the name of the drug; any generic equivalents; the dosage; what it is used for; any side effects; literature you can review; and what are the potential adverse reactions with the dosage you are currently taking. Make sure you understand, how and when to take the medication, the dosage, storage requirements and any special instructions.

 

By becoming actively involved in your health care you can help to minimize the incidents of medical malpractice and you can help to avoid becoming a victim of medical negligence.

 

Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Says Medical Malpractice Is Preventable

A Chicago malpractice lawyer has brought to light the essence of a National Practitioner Data Bank report that points to a stark reality: most doctors who have been meted clinical privilege actions had no punishment from their State Medical Boards. The report casts a light into the fact that most of these erring or incautious medical professionals may still continue to practice their professions despite their spurious records.

This may have the effect of sending a message to the general public that medical malpractice is "Ok" if the State Medical Boards fail to sanction the physician. A striking conclusion that could be derived from this is the possibility that some of these physicians could merely move their practices elsewhere and continue to place patients at risk.

Ramifications of the Study

The implications are very astounding and not to mention scary given the range of offenses that these physicians face.

Considering that some of these doctors have been sanctioned for leaving a medical tool inside the body of a patient, the inaction of the corresponding State Medical Boards is simply flabbergasting.

A clear message should be sent to these doctors and unfortunately, it would have to be sent by a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer or Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer via a lawsuit.

Although the emotional and financial toll of a lawsuit may be too heavy on all the parties involved, with the inaction of the State Medical Boards, punitive action should be undertaken by the affected parties to at the very least ensure that these doctors will no longer victimize other people.

Birth related injuries could best be handled by a Chicago birth injury lawyerwho would also send a clear message to all those who are in the profession that: "you can get sued and your license revoked if you're not careful with our bodies."

A Call to Action

Whether the unfortunate medical event that transpired is one that is deliberate or a mistake, physicians and other health professionals are not above the law. Consulting a Chicago birth injury lawyer to have a solid grasp of your options would not only benefit you as the victim, but also the greater good.

First, it would increase the awareness of people regarding the fact that they have a choice. Next, it would coerce those who are in the medical profession to give better importance to procedures and safety precautions. Finally, it would take those who have been found liable out of the profession so that they would not be able to harm anybody else.

You may have lost a loved one, or have experienced grave injuries because of an incorrect procedure done on you, but this doesn't mean that you can no longer enjoy life. The choice is yours.

The Need For Malpractice Lawyers

Over the years, the need for malpractice lawyers has grown manifold. While medical malpractice lawsuits are the most common, suing for legal and professional misconduct is also quite widespread. There is a dire need for excellent malpractice lawyers. Saugerties, NY and other small towns can call upon some good law firms in the region.

The carelessness of a doctor can have serious results. For example, if a patient is rushed into an emergency room having all the symptoms of a heart attack then a doctor or medical attendant needs to take proper steps to ensure that the heart doesn't stop functioning. If the doctor is guilty of wasting precious time and putting the patient's life in jeopardy then a malpractice has taken place.

In the search for a malpractice lawyer who has that cutting edge, you should keep the following points in mind:

* Experience: The first thing you should find out about the attorney you are hiring is his/hers experience in the field of malpractice lawsuits. Check up their website or ask them directly whether they have handled cases similar to yours in the past. If the answer is yes then you can relax a little for the lawyer knows the procedures and steps that need to be taken.

* Success rate: A reputable malpractice attorney will have a fairly good success rate. The success of a malpractice lawsuit depends a lot on the compensation that is received by the victim or his/her family. Sometimes, the accused tries to get off the hook by paying a paltry sum of money.

* Affiliations: It is important to put your trust in a firm that has strong legal affiliations. Attorneys who are members of the American Association of Justice are a good bet. They are recognized individuals and they will try their level best to bring the accused to justice.

Any malpractice needs to be handled very carefully. Attorneys experienced in fighting such cases can help you take the right steps in filing for compensation. In that lies the need for malpractice lawyers. Saugerties, NY and other towns can seek advice from some of the best law firms in the country. However, do not think that a malpractice lawyer is a miracle worker. It all depends upon the legal expertise of the attorney and the manner in which he/she presents your case. Choose somebody who you think you can trust. The rest will be taken care of by the lawyer.