Older Adult Safety: How To Reduce Tampa Medical Malpractice Risks
Older adults typically require more medical care to meet the demands of aging. Unfortunately, this need and the potential for life-threatening health emergencies increase the risk of medical malpractice among our community’s older residents. Our Tampa medical malpractice attorney explains more about the risks and recommends precautions that can help to protect your safety.
Factors That Make Older Adults More At Risk For Medical Malpractice In Tampa
May is recognized as National Older Americans Month. Sponsored by the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov), it highlights the many contributions older adults make, their role in history, and the issues they face at this point in their lives. It is followed in June by Older Adult Safety Month, which focuses on how to reduce injury risks.
In people who are over age 65 or anyone approaching this age group, medical malpractice is one of the biggest threats. It happens on an unfortunately frequent basis and can cause life-threatening harm, particularly for older patients. Factors that increase the risk to older adults include:
- They typically suffer from medical problems that require regular visits to their doctor;
- They are most at risk for serious chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes;
- They are more likely to require intensive treatments for injuries or illnesses, such as cancer;
- They are more likely to experience major heart attacks, strokes, or other life-threatening emergencies.
All of these can increase the risk of medical malpractice in Tampa. Sadly, adverse impacts suffered as a result can cause loss of independence and long-term disabilities. In some cases, they may even hasten an otherwise early death.
How To Reduce Tampa Medical Malpractice Risks For Older Adults
The National Institute of Health warns that medical mistakes are more common among older adults than their younger counterparts. These include medical misdiagnosis, medication errors, surgical mistakes, and healthcare-associated infections. They typically happen due to negligence on the part of doctors, nurses, surgeons, diagnostic techs, hospital administrators, and others involved.
To protect themselves against medical malpractice in Tampa, it is important for older adult residents to take certain precautions. These include:
- Keep copies of all your medical records;
- Make sure your patient chart is complete and accurate;
- Take a friend or family member with you to the doctor, to act as an advocate;
- Make a list of all symptoms before you go and any medications you are taking;
- Ask questions and refuse to be rushed;
- Request copies of all test results;
- Get a second opinion if surgery is recommended;
- Look up reviews for hospitals and outpatient centers before you go.
Contact Our Tampa Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
Older adults are at greater risk for medical malpractice in Tampa. Greco & Wozniak, P.A. acts as a strong legal ally on the side of victims and their families, helping them get the compensation they need to recover. For trusted legal guidance in filing a claim, contact our Tampa medical malpractice attorney and request a consultation today.
Sources:
acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024#:~:text=Every%20May%2C%20the%20Administration%20for,our%20health%20and%20well%2Dbeing.
blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2017/06/take-a-stand-against-older-adult-falls/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9540365/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9540365/
