Preventing Medical Malpractice In Naples: Six Warning Signs You May Need A New Doctor
Medical malpractice in Naples occurs due to mistakes or errors on the part of medical providers. One of the most common places where it happens is in your doctor’s office. Our Naples medical malpractice lawyer explains how behavior on their part may be putting you at risk and shares six warning signs that it is time to get a new provider.
Warning Signs That Increase Naples Medical Malpractice Risks
Under the Florida Statutes, medical malpractice occurs when providers fail to take reasonable precautions to protect patient safety or otherwise behave in a manner that puts them at risk. Unfortunately, it can have major impacts on victims, resulting in medical misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and even death.
It is important to be vigilant in demanding quality healthcare and act as your patient advocate. This is particularly true in your doctor’s office. Be alert for the following warning signs, which increase the risk of medical malpractice in Naples:
- Failure to obtain adequate patient information.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that failing to get accurate patient information, a complete health history, and mistakes in completing charts are among the most commonly cited factors in medical malpractice claims. Make sure your doctor is aware of your family history and any past injuries, illnesses, or chronic health conditions you suffer from.
- Rushed visits with doctors.
Doctors often allow as little as ten minutes per visit, giving them little time to examine the patient. To make the most of your time together, have a list of all symptoms and be clear about your primary concerns.
- Downplaying symptoms.
This is a common problem in doctor’s offices, often stemming from rushed visits. In their eagerness to move on with the next patient, they may attempt to downplay potential hazards, current symptoms, and how your condition could worsen.
- Failure to make referrals to specialists or for appropriate testing.
Quality medical providers take advantage of the latest technology and act in community with others. It is a warning sign when they refuse to arrange the appropriate testing or refer you to others more qualified to provide the specific care you need.
- Failure to provide follow-up care.
‘Out of sight, out of mind’ is the motto in some doctor’s offices. They may fail to check test results, communicate with other providers, or schedule follow-up visits to ensure recommended treatments or medications work.
- Acting in a condescending manner and other failures in communications.
One of the most common problems patients report is that their doctor treats them condescendingly. Talking down to patients and lacking empathy for what they are going through is a common contributing factor in Naples medical malpractice claims.
Contact Our Naples Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
Mistakes or errors on the part of doctors or other providers can have major impacts on your health. Cardinal Law, P.A. helps you hold them accountable and get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our Naples medical malpractice lawyer today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0766/0766ContentsIndex.html
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353843/
