You go to the hospital for a case of pneumonia. That is something which, while serious, is usually rather simple to treat. Unfortunately, you may end up leaving the hospital in worse shape than you were in when first admitted. If this happens to you, don’t ignore it, as it may be a case of medical malpractice. It’s important that you act quickly so you can get the compensation you deserve. To help you find out if you have a case, and to start your medical malpractice lawsuit, follow this quick guide.
1. Meet with an Attorney as Soon as Possible
As soon as you realize that your injuries are a direct result of the inadequate care you received at a healthcare facility, you need to find a trustworthy attorney. Don’t waste time in doing this, as there is a certain time limit for filing your case.
You must get all of your files together and complete all required tasks within the time frame you’re given. It can be a lot to do on your own, but an experienced attorney will be able to help you get it done on time.
2. Gather Your Medical Records
The first thing you attorney will need is a copy of your medical records to help you determine whether you have a strong enough case to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. You can get your records to your attorney in one of two ways:
- Request that your records be sent to you as soon as you suspect you may be a victim of medical malpractice. Having your medical records available for your attorney to review at your first meeting will allow them to get started on your case right away.
- The other way to provide your medical records is to sign a form giving your attorney permission to get copies of them on your behalf. This takes a little bit more leg work, and your attorney won’t be able to start working on your case until they get them.
3. File the Complaint
After your attorney has reviewed your medical records and obtained any additional information from you pertinent to the case, you can finally file your complaint. Your attorney will work closely with you to draft the medical malpractice lawsuit and even walk you through the steps of filing it. Once your complaint has been filed, your case can officially go to the court and the lawsuit can begin.
Starting the Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Process
Suffering from medical errors made by a facility that was supposed to take care of you and make you better is bad enough. You shouldn’t have to endure further distress when trying to take the matter to court. Following these steps will help the process of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit go more smoothly and get you closer to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice contact the experienced team at Steigmann Law today. One of our qualified attorneys will be happy to meet with you to review your situation and help you get started.