Medical Malpractice: Know Your Rights If Your Doctor Makes a Mistake

Receiving an injury from the hands of a caregiver is a horrifying idea. Still, it can happen. This is why many doctors and care providers have you sign a consent form or liability waiver before you begin treatment. If you have signed either of these forms and been injured because of your doctor, you might think that you are ineligible to sue for medical malpractice. This isn’t necessarily so. Here’s more information about medical malpractice lawsuits and what to do if your doctor makes a mistake.

Read Your Consent Form and Liability Waiver

Many consent forms and liability waivers are a standard legal document that doctors and other care providers use. Frequently, there are blank spaces for your doctor to list possible outcomes from your recommended course of treatment. It is your doctor’s responsibility to inform you of any possible complications or issues that may arise from your procedure or treatment plan.

Failure to do so may open the door for a possible medical malpractice lawsuit. Aside from improper notation and discussion of potential issues, there are other ways that may open the door for a lawsuit. For example, you may be eligible to sue if you experience something that wasn’t listed on your paper or discussed. Also, if you experience something listed on your paper but not in the way it was described, you may be eligible to sue.  

Look at the Signatures

You want to take the time to verify that the document you signed is valid. Often, the form will require both your signature and the signature of a nurse. Sometimes the doctor may also need to sign. Ensure that every date and signature slot is filled with the correct information. Failure to have this form completed correctly could make you eligible for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Was Your Signature Given Willingly?

If you feel like you were forced or tricked into signing a consent form or liability waiver, that is illegal. This means that if one of the staff rushed you to sign a form without allowing an adequate amount of time for you to read it, your signature may not be valid.

Contact a Qualified Lawyer

It’s hard to know with certainty whether or not you are eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. The best thing to do is to ask a professional. At Inkelaar Law, we are ready to answer any questions you may have and help you decide whether a lawsuit is best for you. Call us today at (877) 537-4665 or contact us online. Let’s discuss your options to get you the justice you deserve!