Medical malpractice is a serious offense that can be damaging to your reputation, your finances, and your medical practice as a whole. Medical malpractice occurs when a medical provider purposely neglects best practices or demonstrates intent to harm a patient. That means that even if you don't mean to injure your patient, they can take up legal action against you if they deem your actions to be responsible for their harm.
Here are 5 things you should know about medical malpractice:
Time is of the Essence
If a current patient or a former patient of yours takes legal action against you, there are time limits in many states that dictate the deadline for your response. This means that if someone accuses you of medical malpractice, you need to act swiftly to avoid losing your rights in court.
Arbitration is an Option
If you catch the problem soon enough and speak with the patient early on, you can sometimes avoid going to court. It is often better to settle out of court than to have your personal and professional details leaked to the public during a trial.
The Paperwork Can Be Overwhelming
The U.S. justice system is very advanced. As such, there are many files and documents that accompany any legal proceedings. If you find yourself in the middle of such a situation, you should consult an attorney to help you file correctly and protect yourself fully under the power of the law.
Federal Suits are Different than State Suits
Medical malpractice exists as a term in federal laws and state laws. If you are being sued by a patient, it is important to understand the difference between different state laws and federal laws. A qualified medical malpractice attorney can help you differentiate between the two.
Never Admit Liability
During a patient's care, they go through many steps and are helped by many people. Everyone from the front desk personnel, to the nurses, to the doctors on staff can come into contact with the patient. It is important, therefore, never to assume that you are liable personally. Always get all sides of the story and make sure that a simple misunderstanding is not the cause of the patient's idea that you have harmed them.
Medical malpractice affects many medical practitioners every year. That's why you should consult an attorney if you think you could be at risk. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Click here for info.
Share23 February 2016
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