New Year’s Resolutions To Protect Your Health And Prevent Medical Malpractice In Tampa

The new year is a time to reflect on all that has happened over the past 12 months and consider what you want to happen in the year ahead. When making resolutions, those focused on protecting and maintaining good health are often at the top of the list.

Unfortunately, medical malpractice poses serious threats. Our Tampa medical malpractice attorney explains more about the problem and offers tips for a healthy and safe 2024.

Medical Malpractice In Tampa Can Take A Serious Toll On Your Health

We take it for granted that our doctors and other medical providers have the appropriate skills and will take the needed actions to protect our health. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. According to Johns Hopkins University, medical malpractice continues to be a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.

Medical malpractice involves negligence on the part of providers in taking reckless actions that put you at risk or failing to take precautions considered reasonable by others in the medical community. Examples include:

• Missed diagnosis due to rushing through exams, downplaying symptoms, and not ordering the appropriate tests;
• Anesthesia and surgical mistakes which can have deadly impacts on patients;
• Labor and delivery errors impacting mothers and infants;
• Medication errors resulting in debilitating side effects and life-threatening drug interactions.

Protecting Yourself Tampa Medical Malpractice In The Year Ahead

Under the Florida Statutes, doctors and other medical providers or facilities can be held liable for medical mistakes and errors that cause you or a loved one serious harm. To protect your health during doctor visits and your rights in the event of a medical malpractice claim, set the following goals for 2024:

• Start the year off with a physical;
• Ask office staff about patient portals and accessing medical records online;
• Review your medical history to ensure all information is updated and correct;
• Make sure your chart includes family history;
• Include all medications you are currently taking;
• Stay on top of any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease;
• Do your part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
• Report any unusual symptoms immediately;
• Get a second opinion if your doctor downplays the situation or fails to order testing and appropriate treatment;
• Get copies of all diagnostic test results;
• Write down the names of everyone involved in your care;
• Ask for clarifications in instructions as needed;
• Keep copies of all statements and other correspondence.

Contact Our Office And Request A Consultation With Our Tampa Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Make taking care of yourself and maintaining your health a top priority for 2024. Unfortunately, while doctors and other medical providers play an important role in reaching those goals, medical mistakes and errors in Tampa are common.

When medical negligence is the underlying cause, you have the right to hold those at fault accountable. For trusted, experienced legal guidance in filing a claim, contact Greco & Wozniak, P.A. Reach out to our Tampa medical malpractice attorneys and request a consultation today.

Sources:

hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/07/report-highlights-public-health-impact-of-serious-harms-from-diagnostic-error-in-us

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0766/0766ContentsIndex.html