Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Law Blog

When the time comes for you to go visit your doctor, chances are you have done some research to find a health care provider that you trust to give you thorough and effective care. What you may not know, is that doctor errors are far more common than many people realize. Despite efforts by health care facilities to better protocols designed to keep patients safer, there are things that you can do as well to facilitate your protection. At Garau Germano PC, we have helped many people in Indiana to work through challenging cases where they have been the victims of medical malpractice. 

One of the wisest things you can do to keep yourself safe when visiting your doctor is to ask questions. Do not be timid about voicing your concerns and expect nothing less than a thorough answer. If you have to ask for clarification a few times, make sure you do so to assure that you walk away with a clear understanding of your symptoms, treatment options and potential side effects of any medications that were prescribed. 

You may recall exactly what you were doing when you went into labor. Whether you were about to give birth to your first child or already had several kids at home who were eager to greet their newest sibling, you were likely excited, a bit anxious and more than ready to navigate the final stage of your pregnancy, working toward your final goal of holding your newborn baby in your arms.

Sadly, childbirth in Indiana hospitals doesn't always go so smoothly. In fact, some mothers face dire circumstances when their babies suffer injuries during or after the birthing process. What's worse is that many of these injuries are direct results of doctor errors, mistakes that were entirely preventable. Some children never fully recover from their birth injuries. If you're a mom in a similar situation, you'll want to know where to turn for support.

Alzheimer's is a serious disease that eats away at a person's mind until they become a shell of the person they once were. It is very painful to watch a loved one slip away due to the disease. Because there is no cure and treatments can only delay symptoms at best, it is imperative that doctors and other care givers in Indiana learn how to properly care for a patient.

The Alzheimer's Association explains that the needs of the patient change as he or she progresses through the stages of the disease. You need to talk with the person's doctor and make sure you both understand the care needs during each stage.

A lengthy stay in a hospital puts you at risk for contracting serious and even deadly infections. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can happen. As a matter of fact, it happens so often that there is a name for it: healthcare-acquired infection. You may be one of many Indiana residents who joke that you don't like to go to hospitals because there are sick people there.

The problem is that it's no joke. Infections happen in medical facilities all the time. Hospitals and nursing homes receive most of the press for this, but it could even happen in your doctor's office. The longer you stay in a hospital, the more likely the possibility is that you may contract an infection, which could turn into sepsis.