Most of us who receive medical care or treatment understand that there are often risks involved. Physicians typically discuss these risks with their patients and provide information about the treatment’s pros and cons. When we trust our health care providers, we usually take their advice. Unfortunately, it is that very trust that may blind victims to issues involving negligence.
For example, say a doctor recommends that you undergo surgery to correct an existing problem. If you trust the doctor’s opinion, you will probably consent to the procedure. Following your surgery, you begin to experience unexplained pain, fever and other signs of distress. It turns out the doctor left an instrument inside your body during your surgery and that is the cause of your new symptoms.
The above example is a clear case of medical malpractice. Other times, malpractice may not be so obvious. In another example, say your spouse undergoes a minor surgical procedure. The doctor emerges from the surgery suite and tells you that your spouse unexpectedly died during the procedure.
The surgeon may explain away the incident in a rational and logical manner, but you continue to have doubts about why the death occurred. If the surgeon or other members of the surgical team were negligent in some way, the death may have occurred due to medical malpractice.
Finally, the point we hope to make is how important it is to investigate when medical treatment goes wrong. Often, you may be able to conclude on your own that no negligence occurred. Other times, a deeper investigation guided by an experienced legal team may be necessary to put your doubts to rest or have your worst fears confirmed.
We invite you to check out the resources available on our legal website. Here you will find a range of options to help wronged victims in Tennessee find a satisfactory legal remedy.