Medical and Health Resources for Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes serious injuries or harm to a patient. To pursue a personal injury case, you need to gather medical records and evidence of negligence. These medical care records are crucial for proving your claim and may involve expert testimony on whether the standard of care was violated. Successful claims can result in compensation for damages such as medical bills and lost income. It’s important to act promptly for yourself and loved ones due to the statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases.

Successful personal injury claims, including medical malpractice claims, allow plaintiffs to receive compensation for injuries in a tort action. Getting assistance with your claim from a medical malpractice attorney may be critical. Such cases are complex and require experience to represent your interests best. This will increase your chance of a successful outcome.

An essential part of case preparation involves gathering, analyzing, and presenting medical records to prove you are entitled to damages. Working with a legal team will make this process smooth for you. However, claimants must provide enough information so your legal team can obtain your complete medical records.

This article will help you find medical and health information relating to your claim.

See FindLaw’s Medical Malpractice section for more information.

Medical Records Help Build Your Case

Before filing a medical malpractice case, you must gather a few documents. Medical records and other relevant health information are essential to your legal claim.

Healthcare providers must release medical records if a patient signs a release form. In a wrongful death case, the personal representative can authorize access to the medical records.

An experienced medical malpractice attorney can also help you access your records. Quick access to records ensures your medical malpractice lawsuit is not delayed. Medical records and bills help prove medical negligence in a medical malpractice claim.

Documentation is especially important for expert witnesses. Medical experts will review the documents and provide expert testimony on whether your medical provider violated the duty of care or standard of care and committed a medical error. This helps the court determine whether someone made a medical mistake or committed professional negligence.

General Health Information

The following links contain helpful information about medical conditions. If you had a misdiagnosis or preventative care, check the following resources.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information on birth injuries, fall prevention, workplace safety, and more

• National Institutes of Health: Information on diseases

• The Merck Manual: Information regarding first aid, detecting brain damage, and communicating with medical professionals

• National Health Information Center (NHIC): Connects patients with questions to the appropriate organizations

Locating Medical Services

If you are looking for a healthcare professional, the following tools will help.

• American Medical Association’s Doctor Finder
• American Hospital Directory

• Federation of State Medical Licensing Boards

If you or a loved one has health insurance, ask your health insurance company if the doctor is in-network. This will help lower the cost of medical expenses.

Paying for Medical Services

Paying medical expenses can be expensive. The following websites provide information about medical benefits.

• Benefits Checkup: Identifies federal and state programs for older patients, including nursing homes and independent living

• InsureKidsNow.gov: Free or low-cost health insurance for infants, children, and teens

• Medicare.gov – Participating Physician Directory: Directory of doctors who accept Medicare

• Medicaid Consumer Page: State Medicaid programs, eligibility, and benefits

• Prescription Drug Coverage: Discounted or free medication; can compare drug prices here

Get Legal Advice from a Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you or a family member are a victim of medical malpractice, contact a personal injury attorney. Whether you suffered a catastrophic injury due to surgical error or your health was compromised by negligent diagnosis, you may have a valid medical malpractice suit.

A medical malpractice lawyer can help recover damages. This means you could receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Damages can include lost income, medical bills, and more. An attorney can also talk to your insurance company on your behalf.

Many personal injury lawyers provide a free case evaluation. Attorneys may also agree to a contingency fee. This means a plaintiff will only receive compensation if they win. Don’t delay getting assistance. Medical malpractice law provides a statute of limitations (time limit).

An attorney will determine the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. Talk to a medical malpractice attorney for legal advice about your claim.