Deciding to sue a medical provider is often an emotional experience. You may feel fear, uncertainty, and even guilt. As a society, we sometimes view doctors as infallible, but nothing could be further from the truth. Good healthcare providers make mistakes that hurt their patients, who then have the option of filing a medical malpractice claim. However, these cases are not just about money. Some medical malpractice cases actually lead to positive changes in the medical field that could help in the treatment of future patients.
The Medical Profession May Alter Standards of Care
Generally, healthcare providers are expected to provide a certain level of care. Many medical malpractice claims allege physicians have breached their standards of care. Just the allegation of misconduct might lead those in the medical profession to be more careful.
In some extreme cases, medical malpractice claims may lead physician groups to change the expected level of care. This could be especially impactful if a number of patients allege that the standards were insufficient. But we will never know whether this is the case unless injured patients speak out.
Medical Malpractice Claims Could Result in New, Better Protocols
Acknowledging that standards are insufficient is only the first step. Doctors and hospitals, in particular, maintain protocols explaining how to handle medical situations. For example, a hospital’s protocol may require doctors to perform certain tests based on a patient’s symptoms. The physician may realize the test is probably not necessary but will perform the tests anyway because the hospital requires it.
Medical malpractice claims sometimes point out deficiencies in protocols. As soon as a hospital – or its insurer – realizes that a protocol is not working, it’s entirely possible they will reassess the situation. New protocols may be issued that provide better, safer care to patients.
Ending Unnecessary Tests Could Improve Patient Care
Medical tests don’t just increase your medical bills. Sometimes, tests pose a danger to vulnerable patients. Doctors often face the dilemma of ordering tests because they have to and not because the patient needs them.
A medical malpractice claim can call attention to unnecessary tests and unnecessary procedures that do little or nothing to help the patients.
Rethinking Dangerous Treatment Methods
Sometimes doctors have to choose between several courses of action. Some methods may be safer than others. Claims that highlight risky treatment methods could lead medical professionals to avoid them in favor of safer patient care.
Your Medical Malpractice Claim Could Alter the Medical Profession
Malpractice cases can reduce unsafe protocols while compensation patients who have been damaged by them. But you will never know if your injuries could help the medical profession as a whole unless you talk to an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.