Medical malpractice is an unfortunate event but is prevalent throughout the United States. It can be disappointing to realize that the doctor whom you trusted has caused harm to you because of their negligence. While you cannot control how the doctor handles your treatment and injuries, you can certainly take a few steps to prevent problems.
Asking a few questions regarding your illness, injuries, treatment plans, and surgery to your doctor will help you get clarity, and you can even double-check if the doctor is making the right decisions. However, if a doctor does end up hurting you, Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys are there to help bring justice.
Questions to ask your doctor to prevent medical malpractice
- Which procedure is recommended for my condition?
Ask the doctor what kind of treatment or surgery is suggested for your injury or illness and why it should be performed. You should ask if there are any alternatives and why the doctor chose a specific treatment over others. If you have certain medical conditions, you should also ask whether the treatment is right for you as an individual.
- Who will be involved in my treatment?
Asking the doctor or other medical providers for a list of staff involved in taking care of you before, during, and after the treatment or surgery will help you determine the responsible person if anything goes wrong.
- What are the benefits of the surgery?
You should be clear on how the surgery will change your condition. Your provider should outline the specific benefits of the surgery beforehand. This will help you hold the doctor accountable if your conditions worsen after the treatment rather than getting better.
- What is your experience with this type of surgery?
A surgeon who does not have experience performing your surgery is more likely to make a mistake than a surgeon who has years of experience. Make sure you pick a good, skilled, and experienced surgeon and, if possible, do a background on them before trusting them to handle your body.
- What am I likely to experience during recovery?
Recovery after most surgical treatments is not supposed to be pain-free and easy. Recovery can cause a little bit of pain and discomfort. You should consult your doctor regarding what happens during recovery to be aware of any severe complications. If the doctor does not mention severe consequences, but you still experience them, it could be a sign of a problem.
Communicate with your healthcare provider regarding your illness, treatment, and recovery. If you do not understand why a specific test, surgery, or medication is needed, you should ask the doctor.
If you still have questions, you should meet other doctors and conduct your research. While it is possible to get compensated for medical malpractice with the help of a skilled attorney, you should still seek prevention than cure.
