While the majority of medical errors that result in medical malpractice cases may be unavoidable on the patient’s side of the line, there are still several things you can do to keep yourself safe when you go to a hospital. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ask your doctor and/or a medical malpractice lawyer which hospitals they trust. Go to websites such as Hospital Compare (http://hospitalcompare.hhs.gov) to do some extra research.
• Make sure you choose a hospital with experienced physicians who perform the procedure you are having frequently and with high success rates.
• Create a list of all medications you are taking and any medical problems you have to take to the hospital with you and give it to the doctors and nurses who will be caring for you during your stay.
• Ask all physicians and nurses if they have washed their hands before they touch you or any medical equipment they are using to treat you. 
• If any invasive devices are attached to your body (such as a catheter), make sure you ask frequently when it can be taken out to reduce risk of infection.
• Bring a family member or friend with you to write things down and help you ask questions you may not think of.

It is important that you do everything you can to avoid a medical malpractice suit, but if you are caught in the middle of one anyway, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.

Articles on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. Use of this blog does not provide or replace individualized legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice, please speak with one of our attorneys, who can offer legal advice specific to your circumstances.