When you seek medical treatment, you trust that your healthcare provider will offer competent, professional care. Unfortunately, medical errors do occur—and in some cases, they may constitute medical malpractice. If you’re unsure whether your situation rises to the level of a legal claim, here are three clear signs to consider.
Understanding these warning signs can help you determine whether it’s time to take legal action to protect your rights.
1. Your Condition Got Worse After Treatment—Not Better
Not every negative outcome means malpractice occurred. However, if your condition significantly worsened after receiving medical care, it may be a sign of negligence.
Look for these indicators:
- You received the wrong medication or dosage
- A surgical error occurred, such as wrong-site surgery
- Post-operative complications were ignored or improperly treated
- You were discharged too early and suffered additional harm
Under Connecticut law, healthcare providers are required to meet an accepted standard of care. When they fail to do so and cause injury, they may be held legally responsible.
2. A Diagnosis Was Missed or Delayed
A missed or delayed diagnosis can have serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences. This is especially critical in cases involving conditions such as cancer, stroke, or severe infections.
Common signs of diagnostic malpractice include:
- Clear symptoms were ignored or dismissed
- You were diagnosed with the wrong condition
- Necessary tests were not ordered or performed
- Another medical provider later questioned or corrected the original diagnosis
To establish malpractice, it must be shown that a competent healthcare provider would have made the correct diagnosis under similar circumstances and that the delay or error caused harm.
3. You Weren’t Properly Informed About Risks
Healthcare providers have a legal duty to obtain informed consent before performing medical procedures. This means patients must be fully informed about the treatment and its potential risks.
This includes explaining:
- The nature of the procedure
- Known risks and possible complications
- Available alternatives
If you were not properly informed and suffered an unexpected injury, you may have a valid claim—especially if a reasonable patient would have declined the procedure with full knowledge of the risks.
Protect Yourself
Medical malpractice claims in Connecticut are subject to strict legal deadlines, typically requiring action within two years from the date the injury is discovered. Acting quickly is essential to preserving your rights and building a strong case.
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these warning signs, the experienced attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 203-438-7450 for a free consultation, or visit www.hcwlaw.com to download one of our FREE legal books and learn more about protecting your case.