Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a serious medical issue left you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of it all? Maybe you received a life-altering diagnosis or suffered a serious injury. For instance, in Ohio, around 618 workers pass away each year from diseases caused by overexposure to asbestos, which is often due to negligence by their employers. So it’s important to have help navigating the complicated legal matters that accompany health crises. This is where medical malpractice attorneys come in. These legal professionals do much more than simply handle lawsuits. Here are eight ways in which attorneys can assist you with medical issues and help you obtain the care and compensation you deserve.
Inaccurate Diagnosis
Cases of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can be challenging to prove, but an attorney will look for signs the physician failed to diagnose or treat your condition correctly. For example, if they did not run standard tests, ignored your symptoms, or could not monitor your condition as symptoms worsened.
If the physician’s negligence caused you harm, the attorney may be able to help you recover damages related to additional medical bills, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. While no amount of money can undo the damage of a misdiagnosis, it can at least help ensure you have the means to receive proper ongoing treatment and care.
Obtain Compensation When Injury/Illness Occurs
Having a lawyer in your corner gives you the best chance of obtaining affordable health insurance and receiving full benefits when illness or injury occurs. A lawyer can also help you obtain compensation for damages caused by an employer’s negligence. Employer negligence cases are increasing in the US, including in Ohio; risk factors in this part of the country mainly involve overexposure to asbestos, which can cause serious health problems; in such cases, experienced attorneys can help affected employees in obtaining compensation for their damages and hold the employer accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, in the case of health insurance, your attorney can help you in a few ways. They can review policy options to determine the best plans for your budget and needs. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to get the best rates and coverage. If your application is denied, an attorney can help by providing additional details and documentation to strengthen your case and appealing the decision. They can submit a formal appeal to the insurance company laying out reasons why the claim should be covered under your policy.
Medical Malpractice
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is a serious matter. If you believe you’ve been harmed by a doctor or hospital’s negligence, contacting an attorney should be your first step.
A lawyer can review your medical records and determine if you have a viable case. If so, they will handle the entire legal process for you. This includes:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into what exactly went wrong. They’ll interview witnesses, collect statements, and scrutinize records.
- Calculating your damages and losses. This could include pain, suffering, lost work, and medical bills—both past and future.
- Negotiating with defendants. Their goal is to reach a fair settlement to compensate you without the time and expense of a trial.
- Taking the case to court if a settlement can’t be reached. They will build your case, handle legal paperwork, question witnesses, and argue before a judge and jury.
- Ensuring any settlement or court award is paid in full. They can place liens on defendants’ assets or garnish wages if needed.
Securing Disability Benefits
If you’re unable to work due to a medical condition, disability benefits can provide much-needed income. An attorney can help you apply for and secure these benefits.
A disability lawyer understands the complex application process and criteria for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They can review your medical records and determine if you meet the strict definitions of disability under the law. They can also represent you in any required hearings or appeals before administrative law judges.
Prescription Issues
With the help of a skilled attorney, you have options for addressing prescription problems that could negatively impact your health, finances, or quality of life. Prescription issues can arise for many reasons, and an attorney may be able to help in several ways:
- If your insurance denies coverage for a prescription, a lawyer can review the details of your policy and insurance plan to determine if the denial is valid.
- If a pharmacy makes an error with your prescription, an attorney can send a demand letter to the pharmacy, negotiate a settlement, and even file a lawsuit if needed.
- If a doctor prescribes an unsafe dosage or medications that lead to health issues, An attorney can check your medical records to assess and take legal action.
- If your prescription has been forged or stolen, an attorney can advise you regarding contacting the authorities and help ensure your legal and financial interests are protected.
- Price gouging for specialty or rare prescriptions is unethical and, in some places, illegal. An attorney can pressure manufacturers and file complaints with state authorities to curb blatant price increases.
Childbirth Issues
The birth of a child is an exciting time, but it can also raise many legal questions. Lawyers specializing in medical or family law can guide you on several childbirth-related issues.
Custody and Parental Rights
Determining custody, visitation, and parental rights regarding medical decisions or religion are common concerns for new parents. An attorney can advise you on your rights and responsibilities and help establish a custody agreement that protects your child’s best interests.
Complications During Birth
If complications arise during delivery resulting in injury to the mother or child, a medical malpractice lawyer can review the details of what happened and determine if you may have grounds for a lawsuit. They can walk you through the legal process to pursue a claim for damages related to negligent or improper medical care.
Adoption
For adoptive parents, an adoption attorney will ensure all legal requirements are met, help you understand your rights and obligations as adoptive parents, and guide you through finalizing the adoption in court. They will make sure the biological parent’s rights are properly terminated and that the adoption is fully legal and binding.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 6 ways lawyers can help with medical issues. Whether you need advice on insurance claims or malpractice suits, attorneys are equipped to assist you through some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Don’t go through a medical crisis alone. Seek counsel from a legal professional to better understand your rights and options. They can help reduce stress and guide you to the best possible outcome. Your health and financial security are too important to navigate unaided.
