JAMA – the Journal of the American Medical Association – recently published an article which encourages doctors to review and participate in medical malpractice cases, whereas medical professionals have been reluctant to do so in the past. The article by Dr. Jeffrey L. Brown, is entitled “Trials and Tribulations” and offers a physician’s perspective on the role of an expert in a medical malpractice case, which is helpful to both plaintiffs and defendants.
The author, Dr. Brown, correctly points out that honest, objective opinions from qualified medical personnel are helpful to either side of the litigation in medical malpractice cases. When a patient undergoes medical treatment, they expect their physician to act in a safe and responsible manner. When a medical provider acts negligently, however, the results can be devastating for the patient. It is critical for both patient and doctor to know if there was medical negligence involved that resulted in unnecessary harm to a patient. In this regard, it is critical for experienced, ethical and competent medical providers to not stand on the sideline like so many are inclined to do. It is the responsibility of medical professionals to either defend other medical professionals when they are wrongly accused or to police medical professionals to insure that the appropriate standards of care are maintained.
For too long, medical professionals contacted on behalf of injured patients were reluctant to get involved for fear of backlash or retaliation from medical providers or other factors within the medical community. This article represents a much-needed affirmation that the primary goal of medicine is to help patients. By agreeing to be experts in cases involving claims of medical malpractice, doctors can continue to insure that the best possible care is being provided.
Medical malpractice can cause patients serious injuries and force them to face a number of hardships. In addition to the serious physical ailments that can be caused by a medical provider’s negligence, patients may also be forced to face a number of serious financial hardships. Victims of medical malpractice may be forced to deal with lost wages due to time missed at work, serious damage to their future earning potential, and high medical bills. Fortunately, victims of medical malpractice may be able to recoup compensation for their losses by filing a lawsuit. As a result, patients who have suffered an injury or illness due to a doctor’s negligence, should not hesitate to contact a New York medical malpractice lawyer.
If you or a loved one have suffered further injury or illness after receiving treatment from a medical provider, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 212-406-1700 or contact us on-line. Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool will review your claim to see how we may be able to help you.
