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One of the most common questions we receive at the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson is, “Do I have a medical malpractice case? Just because you were harmed while receiving medical treatment does not necessarily mean you have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if you have a medical malpractice case without involving an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.
Being able to recognize the signs of medical malpractice is crucial if you suspect that a healthcare provider’s mistake harmed you. Here are key signs to look for if you are wondering, “How do you know if you have a medical malpractice case?
You Were Misdiagnosed
Misdiagnosis is one of the most common forms of medical malpractice. If you have serious symptoms that don’t align with your doctor’s diagnosis or find that a second opinion contradicts the original diagnosis, you may be dealing with medical negligence. A missed or incorrect diagnosis can delay treatment, worsening your condition and leading to avoidable suffering. You could have a medical malpractice claim that can allow you to recover compensation for the damages you’ve sustained.
A New Healthcare Provider Identifies a Medical Mistake
If a new healthcare provider discovers a medical mistake, such as a misdiagnosis or an improper treatment plan, it may point to medical malpractice. These mistakes can include incorrect medications, overlooked test results, or an unrecognized serious condition. When a new provider identifies these issues, it may signal that your initial doctor didn’t meet the expected standard of care.
A Doctor Made a Mistake
Surgical errors, medication mistakes, or inadequate follow-up care can all indicate medical malpractice. For instance, if you experience complications after surgery unrelated to your original issue, it could be a sign of a surgical error. Similarly, mistakes in prescribing medication, like giving the wrong dose or type, can lead to serious side effects and long-term harm.
Your Doctor Isn’t Listening to Your Concerns
Many doctors are busy, but they should not rush patient care. Some indications that your healthcare provider is not taking your medical concerns seriously include:
- Symptoms Are Not Alleviated – If your symptoms persist or worsen despite following your doctor’s treatment plan, it may be a sign that something isn’t right. While not every treatment is guaranteed to work, an ineffective treatment plan might indicate that your diagnosis was incorrect or that your doctor hasn’t fully investigated your condition.]
- Symptoms Are Ignored – If your healthcare provider dismisses or downplays your symptoms, it could be a sign of negligence. Your symptoms provide vital clues about your health. Ignoring them can delay diagnosis or appropriate care. Medical professionals should address every concern with due diligence, especially if symptoms are recurring or worsening.
- Only Basic Tests Are Ordered – Some serious conditions require in-depth testing to diagnose accurately. If your doctor only ordered basic lab tests despite significant symptoms, it might indicate that they didn’t take your case seriously enough. This lack of thorough investigation can lead to missed diagnoses or incorrect treatment plans.
- Treatment Isn’t Working – When treatments fail to yield expected improvements, it can signal that your doctor may have overlooked important factors. Proper treatment should show some progress, even if gradual. If there’s no improvement, it’s worth exploring whether the initial diagnosis was correct or if there’s been a lapse in care.
When a doctor overlooks your concerns, it can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and worsened health outcomes.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Evaluation
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, you need legal guidance and advocacy. Kelley J. Johnson has nearly 20 years of experience in the field. Her team offers compassionate, skilled representation for patients across Indiana. Contact the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson today for a free case evaluation and to discuss your potential claim with an Indiana medical malpractice attorney.
