5 Steps to Take If You Believe a Medical Error Caused Your Injury

By Your Health Magazine

A medical error is a mistake made by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional that harms a patient. This could be a wrong diagnosis, a surgical error, or giving the wrong medication.

White Plains, located in Westchester County, New York, features busy medical centers and specialized clinics that serve thousands of patients each year. If you received treatment there and believe a mistake caused your injury, you should speak with a medical malpractice lawyer in White Plains.

What Types of Mistakes Count as Medical Errors?

To understand medical malpractice, it’s important to know that not every bad medical outcome is a result of negligence. A medical error happens when the care provided falls below the accepted standard and causes harm. This shows how serious and common these mistakes can be.

Common examples include:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Giving the wrong diagnosis or failing to detect a condition in time.
Surgical mistakes: Operating on the wrong area, leaving surgical tools inside a patient, or causing avoidable injury during surgery.
Medication errors: Prescribing the wrong drug or dosage.
Birth injuries: Harm to a baby or mother during delivery due to poor care.
Anesthesia errors: Giving too much or too little anesthesia or failing to monitor the patient.

Steps to Take If You Believe a Medical Error Caused Your Injury

In New York, most medical malpractice cases must be filed within two years and six months of the error or when it was discovered. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to sue. Steps you should take within this given time are:

1. Get an Accurate Diagnosis

The first step is to find out if an error actually occurred. Get a second opinion from another qualified doctor. They can review your symptoms, test results, and treatment history to determine if your care fell below accepted standards.

2. Gather All Medical Records

Your medical records are vital evidence. Request copies of test results, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and hospital reports. Keep them organized so they’re ready for review by a lawyer or medical expert.

3. Report the Error to the Appropriate Authority

Inform the hospital’s patient relations department or the state medical board about the incident. Provide clear details such as dates, times, and names of those involved. This creates an official record and may trigger an internal investigation.

4. Talk to a Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims can be complex. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your legal options, meet filing deadlines, and gather expert witnesses. Being represented by a lawyer increases your chances of getting justice for your injury.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Your health should remain your top priority. If you no longer trust your actual doctor, find a new healthcare provider. Follow all treatment plans and keep a daily journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your life.

Final Thoughts

Medical errors can have lasting effects on your health and quality of life. Acting quickly can protect both your well-being and your legal rights, and there are practical steps you can start taking right away: