How to Protect Yourself
Document everything.
This is always a good practice, even if nothing seems amiss. Over
time memories fade and details are forgotten. A written account, such
as a diary or a journal will help with any future claims. Record the
names of medical professionals involved, any witnesses names and phone
numbers, relevant dates and times, and the details of any conversations
between you and the other parties involved. What you write down not
only carries more weight than what has been recalled from memory after
the fact, but also facilitates investigators in looking for corroborating
evidence.
Ask questions.
As a patient or legal guardian of a patient you have a right to
make informed choices. In order to make an informed choice you need
to have all of the relevant information surrounding the condition,
the various treatment options, and the expected effects of the treatment.
Often asking the right questions and being actively involved in
the process may preclude the need to seek redress later. Secondly,
if you can demonstrate that you took an active interest in the condition
and treatment and problems did subsequently arise, then the onus
shifts more towards the medical professionals for not properly responding
to your questions and concerns.
Get a second opinion.
If something does not seem right about the
diagnosis, treatment options, or your questions and concerns are
not being addressed to your satisfaction, request that another doctor
or a specialist take another look at the condition. If you are concerned
about the qualifications of any of the medical professionals, ask
questions. You can contact the hospital authorities where the treatment
is being performed, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and
you can also talk informally with nurses and orderlies who may have
some experience with the professional in question. If your concerns
are validated by your inquiries, then call a halt to the proceedings
and look into alternatives, which may include finding another medical
professional that you can have more confidence in.
Keep your wits about you.
Traumatic events can cause emotions to run
high and adversely affect your judgment. When making your initial
inquiries try to bring along someone who can act as your witness
and whose competency, integrity and independence cannot be easily
questioned. An educated professional from your community or church
is preferable to a close relative or friend who may later be deemed
to be biased. Do not allow yourself to be coerced into signing any
documents after initially discovering and reporting a problem. Similarly
do not verbally confirm anything that is asked of you, particularly
if witnesses are present.
Seek legal advice early.
Early action can make sure that critical
records are not lost or altered, and can facilitate the gathering
of testimony while memories are still fresh and all the parties
involved are still easily located. The professionals at Campbell
Renaud are a clear choice. We offer a no fee initial consultation,
will hire an independent medical professional to review the facts
of your case, and in most cases we will work for you on a contingency
basis. We are compassionate and thoughtful and understand what you
are going through.
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