Losing a loved one is painful, but it can be even more devastating if their death resulted from poor healthcare. Medical errors are a significant issue, and the fact that they are avoidable makes your desire for justice completely reasonable.
When a loved one dies due to healthcare-related issues, there are steps you can take to determine whether their death was preventable and if negligence played a role.
Recognizing signs of medical negligence
Identifying medical negligence starts with understanding what it looks like. Negligence in healthcare occurs when a provider fails to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable professional. Common examples of negligence include medical errors such as misdiagnosis, medication errors, surgical mistakes and inadequate patient monitoring. If your loved one experienced any of these issues before their death, it may indicate that negligence occurred.
Gathering medical records and evidence
To determine if negligence played a role in the wrongful death of a loved one, it is necessary to obtain and review their medical records. These records will contain important details about the treatments and procedures they received, as well as the timeline of their care. Look for any inconsistencies, delays in treatment or sudden changes in their health. You can also consult with medical experts to review these records for any signs of improper care.
Establishing the connection between negligence and death
Pursuing a legal claim requires establishing a connection between the healthcare provider’s negligence and your loved one’s death. This connection, known as causation, must show that the provider’s actions or inactions directly led to the death.
Considering steps for accountability
If you have determined that negligence contributed to your loved one’s death, you have every right to seek accountability. This may involve reporting the incident to medical boards or other regulatory bodies, which can investigate the case further. Taking these steps can help prevent similar tragedies from happening to others in the future.
It can be difficult to pursue a claim for medical malpractice or wrongful death while still mourning the loss of a loved one. However, taking these steps is important for holding negligent parties responsible and securing the compensation your family deserves.