Blog

If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, our team of Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Greenville is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of medical malpractice cases. Whether due to surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes, our attorneys are here to provide the representation you need to pursue justice. Contact us today at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable.

What Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice in Greenville

Medical malpractice can be a devastating experience, and the emotional, physical, and financial toll it takes on victims is significant. If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, it’s essential to take certain steps right away. Understanding how to navigate the situation can help you protect your rights and, ultimately, hold the responsible party accountable. 

Recognize the Signs of Medical Malpractice

The first step in addressing potential medical malpractice is recognizing the signs. While not every negative health outcome is due to malpractice, certain situations should raise concern. Some common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If a doctor fails to diagnose a condition or diagnoses it too late, the treatment can be ineffective and lead to serious harm.
  
• Surgical errors: This includes performing surgery on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or making other avoidable mistakes during an operation.
  
• Medication errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failure to account for drug interactions can cause serious complications.
  
• Failure to follow standard procedures: Medical professionals are required to follow established protocols. Deviating from those can lead to patient harm.

If you notice any of these issues or other concerning medical outcomes after a visit to a healthcare provider, you may be dealing with medical malpractice.

Gather and Document All Relevant Information

Once you suspect medical malpractice, it’s critical to gather all relevant information regarding your treatment. The documentation you collect will serve as the foundation for any potential legal action. Start by obtaining:

• Medical records: Request copies of your medical records from the healthcare provider. These documents should include notes from your doctor, lab results, diagnoses, and any treatment you’ve received.
  
• Prescriptions and bills: Keep all prescriptions, invoices, and statements related to your treatment. These documents will provide evidence of the treatments or medications you received.
  
• Witness statements: If there were any witnesses present during your treatment (family members, nurses, or other patients), ask them to provide statements about what occurred.

The more detailed your records, the stronger your case will be if you decide to pursue a malpractice claim.

Seek a Second Opinion

If you suspect that your healthcare provider has made an error or missed a diagnosis, it’s essential to seek a second opinion. A new doctor can review your medical history, assess your condition, and offer an independent evaluation of your health status. In some cases, a second opinion may confirm that medical malpractice occurred, which can help substantiate your claims in the future.

A second opinion also ensures that you are receiving the correct treatment moving forward, especially if the original diagnosis was inaccurate or incomplete.

Consult with an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer

The next step is to consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Greenville. Medical malpractice cases are complicated and require specific legal knowledge to navigate effectively. A lawyer will help you understand the legal process, determine if you have a valid case, and advise you on your options.

When choosing a medical malpractice lawyer, look for someone with experience handling cases similar to yours. An attorney who specializes in medical malpractice will be better equipped to handle the nuances of the case, gather expert testimony, and fight for your rights in court.

At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we offer free consultations for potential medical malpractice cases. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to review your situation and advise you on how to proceed. You don’t have to go through this alone—let us guide you through the process.

File a Medical Malpractice Claim

If your attorney determines that you have a valid medical malpractice case, the next step is to file a claim. In Mississippi, medical malpractice claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after the injury occurs. Typically, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Mississippi is two years from the date of the injury or the date you discovered the injury.

Filing a medical malpractice claim involves several steps, including:

1. Filing the lawsuit: Your attorney will draft a complaint that outlines the details of your claim, including the negligent actions of the healthcare provider and the harm you’ve suffered as a result.
   
2. Expert testimony: In most medical malpractice cases, expert testimony is required to establish that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care. Your attorney will work with medical professionals to gather this evidence.
   
3. Negotiation: Many medical malpractice cases are settled before reaching trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the opposing party or their insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
   
4. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. Your attorney will present evidence to support your claim and argue on your behalf to seek the compensation you deserve.

Understand the Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Some of the damages you may recover include:

• Medical expenses: You can recover past and future medical costs associated with your injury, including surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
  
• Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
  
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering due to malpractice.
  
• Punitive damages: In some cases, where the healthcare provider’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment.
  

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation you may be entitled to and work to maximize your recovery.

Be Prepared for a Lengthy Process

Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and the legal process is often lengthy. It’s important to be patient and prepared for what lies ahead. Your lawyer will keep you informed throughout the process, but there may be delays in gathering evidence, securing expert testimony, or negotiating a settlement.

While the process can be frustrating, remember that the end goal is to ensure that justice is served and that you receive the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve suffered.

Why Choose Brown, Bass & Jeter as Your Medical Malpractice Lawyer

At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we understand the profound impact medical malpractice can have on your life. Our team of Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Greenville is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the legal process with the care you need during this difficult time.