Washington State Medical Malpractice: Warning Signs You Need A New Medical Provider

Attending doctor visits is stressful. As a patient, you may be struggling to manage chronic health conditions or are dealing with troubling symptoms that could indicate a potentially serious underlying condition. Unfortunately, policies, procedures, and attitudes on the part of your doctor or others in their office often aggravate the situation, making your unease even worse.

Is it just in your imagination, or are they engaging in behavior that puts you at risk? Our Issaquah medical malpractice attorney encourages patients to be aware of common warning signs that, to protect your health, you may need a new provider.

Common Behavior On The Part Of Doctors That Increases Medical Malpractice Risks

Medical malpractice involves mistakes and errors made by medical providers that seriously affect patient health. It is a significant problem throughout the country and one of the leading causes of otherwise preventable deaths. The Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) processes nearly 4,000 medical malpractice claims yearly, often resulting from mistakes and errors made during doctor office visits.

You trust your doctor to provide the medical care you need when suffering from injuries, illnesses, or chronic health conditions. However, behavior on their part or the part of their office staff that could be putting you at risk include:

• Not getting a thorough medical history;
• Not reading or recording information in patient charts;
• Rushing through doctor visits;
• Overlooking important symptoms;
• Not considering prior care received;
• Failing to order the appropriate tests or make referrals;
• Overlooking medication allergies and potential adverse effects;
• Failing to follow up with patients or provide continuity of care.

Warning Signs That You Need A New Medical Provider

Under the Washington State Code, medical providers must provide a standard of care considered reasonable by others in the medical community. When they are negligent, patients can suffer severe, potentially life-threatening adverse impacts.

Under the Washington State Code, when medical providers are negligent, they can be held liable for any harm you suffer in a medical malpractice claim. To reduce your risks, warning signs that indicate you may need a new provider or at least a second opinion include:

• It takes months to schedule a visit;
• The waiting room looks dirty or otherwise unkempt;
• Patients seem miserable, and there are long wait times in the office;
• Nurses fail to get your temperature, blood pressure, and other vital information;
• Your doctor appears unfamiliar with your chart or anything about your health;
• They cut you off when you try to describe your symptoms;
• They routinely overlook simple measures, such as using a stethoscope to listen to your heart or breathing;
• They act patronizing when dealing with you or their staff.

Contact Our Issaquah Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

Unfortunately, medical malpractice in Washington State is common and can significantly impact your health. If you or someone you love is a victim, get the trusted legal guidance you need at Injury Law Group NW.  Contact our Issaquah medical malpractice attorney and request a consultation today.

Sources:

insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2022-medical-malpractice-annual-report.pdf

apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?Cite=4.16.350