5 Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Medical Malpractice in Florida
For a patient, it can be difficult to accept that your Florida health care provider could be responsible for making a critical error in providing care. Yet, your symptoms, worsening of your condition, deteriorating well-being, and other factors all seem to point in the direction of medical malpractice. Frustration, fear, anger, and other emotions are overwhelming, but you may also have questions about your rights and what to do next.
One of your first steps should be consulting with a Miami medical malpractice lawyer who will explain the laws and guide you through the legal process. However, there are a few steps you can take to preserve your rights and support your claim.
- Make an appointment with a different health care provider. Your health is your first priority. Continuing to see a doctor who made a critical error could put you at risk of further harm, so switch providers right away. There is a chance your doctor knows you may be contemplating a medical malpractice claim, and the fear of legal action might be reflected in the medical records he or she prepares when continuing to treat you. It is important to make sure that you are receiving care from a trusted medical provider who keeps accurate medical records.
- Get a copy of your medical records. Make an official request through your doctor’s office right away. The basis of your medical malpractice claim lies within this documentation, so your attorney will need a full set of records to develop a legal strategy.
- Continue with treatment as needed. Your health is the biggest concern, and following your doctor’s orders will get you on the road to recovery. By doing what your health care providers tell you and keeping all physician’s appointments, you also support your med mal claim.
- Start a journal. Your memory can fade over time, so begin keeping a diary of:
- The incident or events that led up to the medical error that caused you harm;
- Notes about your injuries and physical limitations;
- Follow up care and appointments; and,
- Any details regarding how your injuries affect your life.
- Take action quickly. Do your best to contact a lawyer and get moving on the legal process right away. The Florida statute of limitations allows only two years to file a lawsuit, and a lawyer will need time to investigate the incident before a case can be filed.
Our Florida Medical Malpractice Attorneys Can Assist with Essential Tasks
These are just a few of the things you can do to further your medical malpractice claim, but there are many others you should entrust to an experienced med mal lawyer. Our team at Freidin Brown, P.A. will handle the complicated legal tasks to ensure you get the compensation you deserve by law. Please contact our offices today to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help.
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