An older black woman mournfully looks out her window
Preventable medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., right after heart disease and cancer, according to recent data.
Physical suffering may be seen after a medical error, but emotional scars like fear and loss of trust in doctors or hospitals may also exist.
Here are 5 ways to deal with the stress of a past medical error:
- Get support-family and friends can listen and offer words of sympathy, but support groups may offer different perspectives and education on life after a medical malpractice, the legal process, and much more.
- Take care of yourself– eat healthy, exercise if you can, get enough sleep, spend time with a loved one, or find a hobby you love. Self-care is critical during this time.
- Go to future appointments with a friend– it’s important for you to feel comfortable during doctors’ visits, and one way to do that is by having a friend come with you. That person also serves as an extra set of eyes and ears during the visit.
- Get a second opinion– You’re not obligated to accept what a first doctor tells you. Second opinions are valuable—other doctors may bring up ideas your first doctor didn’t mention.
- Seek legal advice– Hiring a medical malpractice attorney can give you peace of mind. Let an attorney negotiate with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
Not sure if you were a victim of medical malpractice? Read this blog post to help you determine if you were indeed a victim.
One form of medical malpractice is the failure to diagnose a serious illness soon enough. Ignoring a patient’s complaints–or writing them off because of biases surrounding obesity, smoking, or sexual orientation–can have fatal consequences. This is particularly true for missed or late cancer diagnoses.
Too often, doctors can’t see beyond a patient’s weight, even when they’re suffering from clear and serious symptoms. STAT News has a story of missed ovarian cancer, here.
Medical Malpractice attorneys at Pintas and Mullins Law Firm have been working on behalf of seriously injured clients for over 30 years, and have handled over 10,000 cases. If you or a loved one has suffered from a medical error by a negligent medical professional, call or e-mail us for a free consultation.
Call or text 800-934-6555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form