Patient Rights And The Role Of Informed Consent
Understanding your rights as a patient includes comprehending the key protection of informed consent. Informed consent is a fundamental principle in medical ethics, it ensures that patients have the necessary information to make educated decisions about their healthcare.
If you believe you were not given important information and received improper care, speak to a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer.
Information Ensures Transparency
Informed consent means a healthcare provider provides relevant details about a proposed medical treatment, procedure, or intervention. The information shared will include potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes. The patient, in turn, gives their voluntary and knowledgeable consent before proceeding.
It is essential to be aware of the fact that informed consent is not just a legal formality, it is a crucial aspect of transparency in healthcare. It is not optional, it is required before any medical procedure, surgery, or treatment that poses potential risks to the patient. This includes surgeries, medical interventions, and even participation in medical research studies.
Despite informed consent being required, there are instances when malpractice occurs because a person was not properly informed, leading to severe consequences. Know that after suffering harm due to medical negligence, there are paths to recovery that can be explored.
Legal Professionals Can Empower Patients
Some circumstances are resolved through negotiation, and hiring a lawyer is not necessary. In other situations, connecting with an attorney is imperative to protect the rights of a harmed individual.
- Severe or permanent harm. If you or someone you care about has suffered severe injuries or permanent damage due to medical negligence, legal representation is crucial to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for ongoing medical costs.
- Complicated cases. Medical malpractice cases are often nuanced disputes, requiring a comprehensive understanding of both medical and legal aspects. A skilled attorney can navigate the complexities and present a compelling case on your behalf.
- Statute of limitations and other deadline concerns. Time is of the essence in a lot of different types of legal disputes, including medical malpractice claims. If the statute of limitations is approaching, consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to meet filing deadlines.
Informed consent empowers patients to make informed healthcare decisions, but if medical malpractice occurs empowerment may come from the guidance of a dedicated lawyer. To pursue a medical malpractice claim, you must establish that the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care expected and that there is a direct link between the healthcare provider’s negligence and the injuries sustained.
As soon as you engage the services of a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer, they will begin the process of assessing the details of your case, gathering evidence, and guiding you through the legal process.
Were you not informed of the risks of a medical procedure? The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP know what steps individuals need to take in order to pursue justice and hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions. If you are ready to secure monetary relief and work toward a safer and more transparent healthcare system, reach out and book a confidential consultation. Contact us today.