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When you put your trust in a medical professional, you put your health and life in their hands. If they fail to provide an acceptable standard of care, the consequences can be catastrophic and even fatal. Filing a medical malpractice case can allow you to pursue compensation and hold the negligent party accountable for the harm they caused. Here are steps you can take to build a strong medical malpractice claim in Indiana.
Understand What Medical Negligence Is
An adverse medical outcome is not sufficient to bring a malpractice case against a healthcare provider in Indiana. To have a valid medical malpractice case, you must prove that your injury resulted directly from substandard care involving a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional. Specifically, the healthcare provider must have performed an act that fails to meet the standards recognized by the local medical community. Alternatively, the failure to meet the necessary standard of care could result from the healthcare professional failing to perform a necessary action that could have prevented the adverse outcome.
See a New Provider
If you suspect medical malpractice, seek care from a different healthcare provider as soon as possible. This new provider can assess your condition, provide necessary treatment, and potentially identify errors in your previous care. Their professional opinion and documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your case. Inform your new provider about your concerns regarding your previous treatment, as this information can help them provide more targeted care and documentation.
Request Your Medical Records
Obtaining your complete medical records is a critical step in building your case. These records contain vital information about your treatment, including notes from healthcare providers, test results, and prescribed medications. In Indiana, you have the right to access your medical records. Submit a written request to the healthcare facility or provider, specifying the records you need. Review these documents carefully, noting any discrepancies or questionable entries.
Work with Medical Experts
Medical experts play a crucial role in establishing the validity of your claim. These professionals can review your case, identify breaches of the standard of care, and provide expert testimony if needed.
In Indiana, either party can request the formation of a medical review panel before a lawsuit commences. The healthcare professionals on this panel evaluate your case and issue an opinion. While their decision is not binding, it can significantly influence your case. Qualified medical experts can present a compelling argument to this panel and strengthen your overall claim.
Work with an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you have suffered harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, a skilled Indiana medical malpractice attorney can support you in building a solid medical malpractice lawsuit. At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, we focus exclusively on medical negligence cases. With nearly twenty years of legal experience, we have the skills, knowledge, and passion you need when you have suffered harm due to a medical professional’s wrongdoing. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with an Indiana medical malpractice attorney.
