Medical professionals have rigorous training to save lives. Our trust in them is essential for maintaining our health. But what happens when that trust breaks and a healthcare provider’s oversight leads to further illness or injury? This falls under medical malpractice, and some patients unfortunately face it.
Understanding failure to treat
Failure to treat occurs when a medical professional neglects to diagnose or treat a medical condition that meets the proper standard of care.
What sets it aside from misdiagnosis is that you may receive a correct diagnosis, but the doctors or nurses take no reasonable action to treat and heal you. Some common examples of failure to treat include:
- Not providing proper follow-up care
- Prematurely discharging the patient
- Recommending an unnecessary treatment plan
- Administering substandard medical procedures
The consequences of failure to treat can be devastating. It can lead to the worsening of your health, increased pain and suffering, development of new medical problems, permanent disability and even death.
Are you or any of your loved ones a victim of failure to treat?
If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, a few steps you can take include:
- Seek medical attention: Address your immediate health concerns with a dependable healthcare provider and obtain proof of your current well-being.
- Gather evidence: Have a proper timeline of your medical history ready. Collect all medical records, test results and other documentation of the alleged malpractice.
- Contact a medical malpractice lawyer: A legal professional may help thoroughly assess your case and provide the guidance you need to navigate through this challenging time.
Medical malpractice lawsuits in California require proving the established duty of care between the patient and medical professional and the breach of that duty. You must also prove causation and damages caused by the incident. The road to recovery after a medical negligence can be long and complex. By taking legal action and seeking support, you may be able to get the help you need to address your situation accordingly.