As many as one in four hospitalized patients may suffer from preventable medical errors, including medication-related errors, surgical mistakes, and even hospital-acquired infections. It’s important for patients and their families to understand the risks of medical malpractice in order to best protect themselves and allow their loved ones to serve as effective advocates.
Speak with your primary care physician – Hospitalization is not always planned, and if your illness or injury is not an emergency, it may be beneficial to consult your primary care physician before checking into the hospital. Ask him/her if you’ll need to alter your diet or medication regimen, bring medications to the hospital, or undergo pre-admission tests. You may also ask about the tests and procedures to expect once you are admitted.
Schedule surgeries carefully – Many patients prefer to schedule surgeries for weekends, as this allows them more time to recover before actually taking time off work the following week. However, hospital staffing tends to be unfavorable on the weekends; those who check in on a Friday, for example, may not be as carefully monitored after a procedure. It may be best to schedule a surgery for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Recognize potential medical negligence – It is always acceptable to ask questions when you are unsure of something related to your medical care. You may ask for a second opinion regarding your diagnosis or interpretation of imaging studies, and you may ask to double-check the names or dosages of any medications before they are administered by a nurse. Also, never hesitate to ensure that nurses or other medical professionals have washed their hands before entering your room, as infections acquired in hospitals are all too common and, most of the time, preventable.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury or illness due to possible medical negligence, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.