Preventing Medical Errors
Dear Reader;
Medical errors are one of the nation's leading causes of injury and death. It is my principle task as a trial lawyer to, whenever possible, prevent medical mistakes from happening in the first place.
As envisioned by the founders of our country, lawsuits are for the purpose of holding responsible people responsible. This serves the purpose of preventing future injuries.
Some people, for example, do not see any value in paying money for the wrongful death of a child. Money will not bring the child back.
But, money does serve the purpose as envisioned by the founders, of holding responsible people responsible and making sure that the same error does not kill a second child or a third.
The damages need to be so sufficient that the perpetrator cleans up his act and does not allow the same injury to occur again.
Why do Medical Errors Happen?
Medical injury is often the result of incompetent and negligent healthcare providers. Hospitals will cut costs or be under-staffed. Careless miscommunications will happen.
On the other hand, no matter how skilled or conscientious they may be, doctors are human beings and they will make mistakes. Sadly the stakes are very great when it comes to medical mistakes. "I'm sorry" will not make it better.
Take a Stand Against Medical Errors
There are several things you can do to help prevent this type of tragedy:
- Become an active player on your own health care team. Be involved and learn about your condition, understand your doctor's viewpoints, participate in the decision making process. Ask questions and get answers!
- Get a second medical opinion.
Collaboration and supportive expertise has been critical in preventing injury and death as a result of medical
mistakes and errors due to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment.
- Double check your medication prescriptions with your doctor and pharmacist. Make sure you can read it, and make sure it's actually what your doctor prescribed. Learn more about
pharmacist malpractice.
- Alert your doctor and pharmacist of drug allergies.
- In the case of surgery, make sure that you and your entire health care team is in complete agreement and understanding of what will be done.
- Know exactly which doctor is in charge of your care, and how to contact them day or night.
Helping to Make Wyoming a safer and better place to live,
Fred Harrison
Trial Attorney
We help victims of Wyoming medical errors obtain justice for themselves and their loved ones. Contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation.
