Dolan Law, P.C. reposted this
Every day, people trust healthcare professionals with their lives. Most of the time, they receive quality care. However, there are instances where the care provided falls below acceptable standards. This is known as medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the level of care that a reasonably careful professional would under similar circumstances. This can involve taking inappropriate actions or failing to take necessary actions, often resulting in serious injury or even death. So, what should you do if you or a loved one has received medical treatment that might qualify as malpractice? First and foremost, obtaining all your medical records related to your care is crucial. This includes: ▪ Operative reports ▪ Physician and nurse notes ▪ Vital signs ▪ Imaging results ▪ Blood tests ▪ Records from prior office visits – essentially your entire medical chart from the first to the last date of service. These records are vital in any medical malpractice lawsuit, as they provide the necessary evidence to prove whether malpractice occurred. In Illinois, before a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed, a medical professional in the same field as the treating provider must sign an affidavit stating that malpractice likely took place during the care. If you believe you have a case, gathering your medical records in advance will help any attorney you consult review your claim more quickly and efficiently.