4 Steps to Take After Suspecting Medical Negligence in Indiana

Medical malpractice claims are some of the most challenging and complex personal injury cases to win in Indiana. If you suspect medical malpractice was responsible for your injury, taking swift action is crucial so that you can preserve crucial evidence in your case and protect your legal right to seek compensation for the harm you suffered.

We focus solely on medical negligence and medical malpractice cases at the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson. Indiana medical malpractice attorney Kelley J. Johnson has nearly 15 years of legal experience and understands what it takes to win these complex cases. Contact our firm’s experienced medical malpractice attorney today for a free consultation.

You can increase your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries by taking the following steps:

Take Care of Your Health

Your health is your top priority if you suspect your doctor’s negligence caused your injury. Here’s what you can do to protect your health:

Find a New Healthcare Provider: If you believe your current healthcare provider caused you harm, seeking a second opinion is crucial. You have the right to quality care, and a new provider can offer a fresh perspective on your treatment. Seek immediate medical attention to minimize your injuries as much as possible.
Stay on Top of Your Medical Care: Keep all follow-up appointments with a new provider. Follow your treatment plan. Your medical records can be vital evidence in a medical malpractice case.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your symptoms and prognosis and detailed notes on every treatment you receive. This documentation can help your new healthcare provider better understand your situation and is essential if you pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Working with a reputable medical malpractice attorney is crucial to winning this type of claim and maximizing compensation. At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, we have over a decade of legal experience, with Indiana medical malpractice claims as our core focus. We can help with your medical malpractice case by:

Providing a Personalized Legal Strategy: After we evaluate your case and determine if you have a potential claim, we can provide you with information on the best course of action to recover fair compensation for your case. We tailor our approach to fit the unique aspects of your case, giving you the attention and representation you deserve.
Navigating Complex Legal Processes: With our extensive experience, we will efficiently navigate the complexities of Indiana’s medical malpractice laws.
Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: Our team excels in collecting and interpreting medical records, expert testimonies, and other key evidence to show the medical errors of a healthcare professional injured you.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We will negotiate with the insurance company to help you seek fair compensation and eliminate the stress of dealing directly with an insurer.
Representing You in Court: If your case goes to court, you’ll have an experienced attorney by your side, ready to fight for your rights.

You are under a strict deadline to file your claim per Indiana’s statute of limitations, so we encourage you to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson has extensive experience in handling medical malpractice claims and obtaining maximum compensation through the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund. Call us today to learn more about how we can help build your case.

Obtain Your Medical Records

You should also request medical records as soon as possible. This step is crucial in a medical malpractice case, as your medical files can provide a comprehensive view of your treatment history. Here’s a list of the types of medical records essential to building a solid case:

Doctor’s Notes: Your doctor’s notes, including observations and treatment recommendations, are vital.
Hospital Records: If you received treatment at a hospital, include all records related to your admission.
Diagnostic Test Results: This includes lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic procedures.
Prescription Records: Secure records of the medications your doctor prescribed, including dosages and instructions.
Specialist Reports: If you saw any specialists, include their assessments and recommendations.
Treatment and Surgery Records: Detailed accounts of your treatments and surgeries can prove the harm you suffered.
Billing Records: These can provide a timeline for your injuries and the extent of the treatments you received.

Work with Your Attorney During the Review Process

Addressing a medical malpractice claim involves following specific steps under the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act. One crucial step is submitting a proposed complaint to a medical review panel. This group of three independent doctors evaluates a medical malpractice claim before a claimant can proceed to court, drawing on their expertise in the relevant medical fields.

Because of the technical nature of medical malpractice claims, medical experts are indispensable. They can analyze your medical records and evaluate your care, comparing it to standard medical practices. Their insights are crucial in establishing whether medical malpractice occurred and, if so, how it impacted your health. This expert analysis is pivotal for the review panel and forms a fundamental part of your case if it goes to court.

As your legal team, we will guide you through this process, protecting your rights while building a solid case. With our experience and the support of medical experts, we will present a clear, compelling argument on your behalf.

Review Your Complaint

Before submitting your complaint to a medical review panel, our team will meticulously examine the details of your case, crafting a complaint that clearly articulates the alleged malpractice and its impact on your health. This careful preparation is vital for building a solid foundation for a favorable outcome in pursuing justice.

Appear Before the Medical Review Panel

The medical review panel consists of three doctors and an attorney chairperson. The claimant selects one doctor, the defendant selects another doctor, and those two doctors choose a third doctor. The attorney advises the doctors on the applicable law but does not have a vote. Both sides present evidence to the panel, including medical records and expert testimony. The panel has six months to issue its opinion.

The claimant may file a lawsuit after the panel has issued its opinion. The panel’s opinion can be significant evidence in the case. Thus, hiring an attorney with experience selecting doctors for the panel and presenting solid evidence is crucial to bolstering your case.

The Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson Can Help with These Steps

There are many steps in a medical malpractice claim, and time is of the essence. The Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson can handle the details of your case, giving you time and space to rest and heal. Call us today or complete our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.