When you use the services of a professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or therapist, you expect them to treat you appropriately. But if you have a treatment, are prescribed medication, or have surgery and find that you are doing much worse, you may be the victim of medical malpractice.

According to a report issued by a federal government task force, somewhere between 44,000 and 98,000 people die each year because of mistakes made by their doctors. A "medical mistake" can take several different forms: the failure to properly diagnose a patient's problem; the failure to choose the correct course of action to treat the problem a patient has; or the failure to properly perform the treatment plan chosen. No matter what form a particular mistake takes, all medical mistakes can be deadly. In each of these cases, you notice that the one thing they all have in common is that something that should have been done or that should have been obvious wasn't done or was ignored. When this violates the standard of care in the medical community, it constitutes malpractice.

Unfortunately, many patients and family members of victims do not realize that a medical mistake has occurred. All too often, the injury or even the death caused by a medical error is seen as being the result of the patient's original illness, not as the result of a preventable error. Even when a patient complains, a hospital or doctor is likely to deny error.

Medical mistakes can be dangerous, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Be actively involved in your own care. Ask questions. If you think your doctor may have made a mistake, ask about it. If you still have doubts, get a second and even a third opinion. Pay careful attention to your medications. Read the label and report any ill effect you think the medication might be having on you to your doctor immediately.

If you feel that you or someone you love may have been a victim of a medical mistake, contact Hardy Law Group. We will help you determine the best course of legal action. And remember to stay alert. The life you save may be your own.