5 Tips for Navigating a Medical Malpractice Case

5 Tips for Navigating a Medical Malpractice Case
by Scott Faith

Medical malpractice is something with which far too many veterans are familiar. Because of the Feres Doctrine it’s sometimes hard to get justice inside the military medical system. If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s important that you understand how to make a claim to ensure you get the treatment and compensation you deserve. When being treated by a medical professional, it’s only natural that we expect the best level of care. If you feel you have had insufficient care, knowing who to contact and understanding the claims procedure will help you stay in the know and give you the compensation you’re entitled to. With that in mind, here are five tips for navigating a medical malpractice case.

Organize and Gather Medical Records

Collecting as much evidence as you can help enormously in your medical malpractice case. Obtaining your medical records should be your first point of call, which will outline the type of treatment you received, as well as your medical history. It’s important that you do not tamper with any records as this could compromise your credibility. Make sure that you have your records and documents safe and ready to hand over.

Prepare for a Lengthy Process

If you have never made a medical malpractice claim before, you need to be aware that the process can take some time. It’s a long time to wait for the outcome, so remaining vigilant is key. It will take time for both the plaintiff and the defense to prepare their case, so if you are getting impatient, you need to remember that there are people working on your case in the background.

Hire an Attorney

Understandably, you will want to hire the best people for the job, especially when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve received a personal injury, been a victim of medical malpractice, or you’re acting on behalf of a loved one, seeking the right help and legal advice is important. If your loved one has died as a result of wrongful death, you will need to hire a wrongful death attorney. An attorney can guide you through the process and give you more information on what to expect during your case.

Stay Involved in the Process

If you haven’t done your research on the law, it can be all too easy to lose track of your case, therefore, becoming engaged in the process and remaining in direct contact with your attorney is important. If the proceedings play out over several years, you need to stay up to date with the latest developments of your case. Whether it be researching certain law topics or understanding documentation, doing everything you can to increase your chances of winning your case is important.

Avoid Contact With Other Parties

During a medical malpractice case, it’s important that you avoid contact with other parties who are involved. The process can be incredibly stressful and emotions can run high, which could do more harm than good when it comes to winning your case.

Whether you or a loved one have been a victim of medical malpractice, providing evidence, obtaining medical records, understanding the claims procedure, and finding an attorney who has your best interests at heart are just a few steps that you need to take when it comes to navigating a medical malpractice case. You need to be aware that the process can be lengthy and complicated, so knowing what to expect is crucial.

Scott Faith is a veteran of a half-dozen combat deployments and has served in several different Special Operations units over the course of his Army career. Scott’s writing focuses largely on veterans’ issues, but he is also a big proponent of Constitutional rights and has a deep interest in politics. He often allows other veterans who request anonymity to publish their work under his byline. Scott welcomes story ideas and feedback on his articles, and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.