Nobody is perfect, but doctors must be held to a higher standard than people in other fields. Medical malpractice is a severe issue that can cost patients their lives in some cases. That’s why it’s important to take the situation seriously and know exactly what to do if you think you have a medical malpractice case.

Seek Competent Medical Treatment

The first thing to do when you have not gotten the proper medical treatment is to seek out medical treatment that will actually be beneficial to you. It sounds simple, but many people jump straight to calling a lawyer instead of taking the time to get on the proper treatment plan. Whether you have a great case or not, your health must come first.

Obtain Medical Records

Records are essential to a malpractice lawsuit, and requesting them is not difficult. Simply call your doctor and ask for copies of your records—they’re your records, so you won’t have a problem obtaining them. This is an important step because medical records often hold the proof of malpractice that a court needs to see.

Write Everything Down

Take notes about meetings with your doctor and keep a log of your health. If your doctor puts you on a treatment plan that causes your condition to worsen, a diary of your experience can be useful evidence for your case.

Get a Lawyer

After you have compiled your medical records and logs of your experience, you should take this information to a qualified professional. Thinking you have a medical malpractice case is one thing—it’s another to hear confirmation from an attorney. They’ll know the signs you have a medical malpractice case better than anyone, and they can tell you whether it’s worth pursuing legal action.

Of course, just like with doctors, you are well within your rights to get a second opinion if the first lawyer doesn’t tell you what you want to hear.

Now that you know what to do if you think you have a medical malpractice case, you can make your health your top priority. A lawsuit should always come after you’ve completely healed.