How can I protect myself from medical malpractice?
December 12, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Thomas Eiserfelder
Dear Medical Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you with a question that is weighing heavily on my mind. My name is Eiko Böhm and I am concerned about the possibility of medical malpractice. I have had negative experiences in the past where I was prescribed incorrect medication, leading to serious health problems. Now, I am wondering how I can protect myself from such errors in the future.
Currently, I do not feel confident when seeking medical treatment. I have lost trust and fear that another mistake could jeopardize my health. I would like to know what steps I can take to better protect myself and ensure that no further malpractice occurs.
My concerns mainly revolve around not always understanding the medical decisions made by doctors, and therefore not being sure if they are acting in the best interest of my health. I do not want to be incorrectly treated again and suffer harm as a result. Therefore, I am wondering what options are available to strengthen my rights as a patient and protect myself from medical malpractice.
Can you provide me with specific recommendations on how to better educate and inform myself to protect my health in the future? Are there legal measures I can take to demand my rights in the event of malpractice? I am grateful for any help and support in protecting myself from such errors.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Eiko Böhm
Dear Mr. Böhm,
Thank you for your message and the trust you have placed in me to share your concerns regarding medical malpractice. It is understandable that after negative experiences in the past, you are worried and concerned about your health. It is important for you to know that there are ways to protect yourself from potential medical errors and to strengthen your rights as a patient.
First and foremost, it is important for you to actively participate in your own healthcare. This means educating yourself about your conditions and treatment options, and engaging in open communication with your doctors. Ask questions if something is unclear to you, and have the reasons for certain decisions explained to you. It is your right as a patient to be well-informed and included in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, you can research the qualifications and experiences of your treating doctors. Check if they are specialized in their respective fields and if they regularly attend further training. An experienced and competent doctor reduces the risk of medical errors.
To protect yourself legally, you can create an advance directive. In an advance directive, you specify which medical measures should be taken in the event of your incapacity to make decisions. This gives you the opportunity to document your own wishes and preferences regarding your medical treatment.
In the event of medical malpractice, it is important for you to seek advice from an experienced medical law attorney. An attorney can represent your rights as a patient and help you pursue damages claims. It is important for you to gather all relevant documents and evidence to support your case.
I recommend that you thoroughly inform yourself before any medical treatment and engage in open communication with your doctors. Be proactive in your healthcare and do not hesitate to ask questions.
I hope that my recommendations help you and give you more confidence regarding your health. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your service.
Kind regards,
Thomas Eiserfelder
