There comes a time in everyone’s life where we must go see a medical professional. We go to seek their help during our most vulnerable times of illness, pain, and suffering and trust that they are knowing and able to help us. Although most cases we leave in better shape than we came in, sometimes there are cases where errors are made causing serious physical, financial and emotional harm. Whether it is a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or an improper use of medical equipment, medical malpractice leads to millions of unnecessary medical errors every year.

According to the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, medical malpractice occurs when a “hospital, doctor or other health care professional, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient. The negligence might be the result of errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management.” In order for a claim to be medical malpractice, there has to have been a violation in standard of care, an injury caused by the negligence and significant damages as a result of the injury. Pursuing a medical malpractice case can be difficult, but with the help of a skilled attorney you can navigate the process and learn your rights and legal options. Here at Curtis Legal Services, we have been fighting for the rights of injured clients for over 30 years with great success. If you or a loved one has been injured at the hands of a medical professional, Curtis Legal Services recommends the following steps be taken:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Injuries caused by the negligence of a medical professional can cause additional suffering and injuries on top of the original issue you sought medical attention for in the first place. If you can, find another doctor or hospital. Your health is priority number one.
  2. Request Medical Records: It is important for your new medical professional to know the history of your condition and how it was treated. Your records can show misdiagnosis, failure to treat, failure to monitor and many other types of medical malpractice. Request your records before you file suit so there is no time for the medical professional to change your records. This is rare, but it does happen.
  3. Document Your Experience: If you believe you were injured by a medical professional, keep a journal. Write down your symptoms with dates. Include how you feel physically and emotionally. Include time you had to miss work and any other important event. Also keep a file of your expenses as a result of your injury.
  4. Get a Second Opinion: Once you have sought medical attention for any immediate medical issues, it is helpful to have a second opinion about your treatment. A second opinion can not only help you get better treatment, but it can also help solidify your case against the negligent medical professional who caused the harm to you.
  5. Avoid Contact: You should avoid contact with the negligent medical professional, the office he or she works, and their insurance representatives. Also refrain from posting about your case on social media even if your account is private. It can be used as evidence against you.
  6. Hire an Attorney: Medical malpractice cases are very complex and not easy to prove. It requires extensive research and expert testimonies to prove the standard of care was violated. In Kentucky, victims have up to two years from the discovery of injury to file a claim.

Have you or your loved one been a victim of medical malpractice? Give Curtis Legal Services a call at 606-324-5435. We have over 30 years of experiences in helping victims recover damages from negligent medical professionals. We will review your claims, records, and consult with our medical experts to determine if your injuries are caused by medical malpractice. If so, we can sue for your injuries and damages including physical and medical pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and any other damage endured by the injury. We will review your case for FREE. Here at Curtis Legal Services will fight for your rights.