Medical Malpractice Lawsuits – How To Avoid Them. Today’s guest blog is by The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks, P.L.C. The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Genex Medical Staffing.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits – How To Avoid Them
Medical Malpractice lawsuits are a fatal blow to the reputation of an entire healthcare facility. The negligence of a single person on the staff can cost millions of dollars, and a lifetime of shame, if not guilt. The majority of medical lawsuits are not about the money. Patients and their families are left devastated by causalities caused by the carelessness of medical professionals.
Lawsuit filers aim to apprehend what happened and what they can do to make things better for themselves and other people seeking treatment from a certain institution. Medical malpractice claims are not limited to errors or mistakes made by a doctor. Nursing home neglect and abuse have been the highlight of medical cases.
A lot of conflicts nowadays are about the mistreatment of patients, and hence can be easily avoided with a change of attitude. Here are a few tips to save yourself from legal trouble:
- Establish a healthy relationship with every patient
As a doctor, physician, nurse, or any other medical service provider, you have taken an oath to serve humanity. It is morally unacceptable if you do not treat them humanely or talk to them in a rude manner. Being humble and caring is part of your job whether you like it or not. Most patients are going through severe mental and physical trauma, so discouraging behavior from your side can be very hurtful.
You might be in high demand and not have enough time, yet this is no excuse to neglect any patient. It is your duty to listen to them and answer all their queries with patience. You can limit the number of individuals you see per day, but you must give undivided attention to those who come to you with an appointment.
Patients feel comfortable around doctors who are friendly, as they are able to discuss problems more frankly. They also refrain from holding back information that would hinder diagnosis or treatment otherwise.
- Be Responsible and act Consciously
A job in the medical industry requires the utmost accuracy and precision. You have to be attentive and well-informed regarding all your patients; ‘winging it’ is not an option. Every medical case is unique, so you must research each individually. Do not overlook patient history or make decisions based on previously handled cases. Refer to your past experiences rather than repeating actions.
Never leave your job to someone of lower rank; the few minutes of freedom you get are not worth risking someone’s life. Be fully prepared before performing any surgery or operation. Lives depend on you, and the least you can do is take matters seriously and do your job. If you require ongoing training, additional courses, or renewal of a medical license, make sure to comply.
Do not ask a patient to keep coming in when you clearly cannot solve their problem. Put away your pride and admit defeat; it is superior to being accountable for wrongful death. Refer them to someone else who you believe could decipher their dilemma.
- Clear Communication
It is important that you and your patient are on the same page. Know everything about him/her instead of jumping to conclusions. Once you figure out a suitable treatment, you have to explain it to the client. They may not understand various medical terms, so you will have to stoop to their level by using language they can easily fathom.
You must be clear about any risks, side effects, or consequences of the treatment you are offering. Let patients know of all their options and receive their consent before acting upon a decision. Verbal communication is excellent, but documenting everything must be your goal. What you have in written form or on paper holds unmatched legal value.
