When people turn to doctors and other medical professionals, they place them in a position of trust. Most people have not spent years in medical school and residency learning the intricacies of medicine, but doctors have. Patients aren’t in a position to make their own diagnoses, prescribe their own medications, or operate on their own bodies. They rely upon medical experts for that. With this trust comes enormous responsibility — responsibility that, in most cases, is rewarded by the diligent and careful work of competent and caring medical professionals who follow a strict ethical code.
But not all patients are so lucky. Sometimes, this trust is betrayed. Sometimes, the individuals and institutions that are supposed to care for patients in need fail to meet the most basic standards of care. Their negligence and misdeeds can have tragic consequences. When this happens, malpractice law comes into play.
Medical malpractice and its consequences
Some medical procedures have risks, some medications have side effects, and some illnesses and injuries are difficult to recover from even under the best of circumstances. When things go wrong despite everyone’s best efforts, it’s tragic. But when things shouldn’t have gone wrong — when negligence triggers or worsens the issue in question — that’s more than just tragic. That’s a miscarriage of justice.
In a situation like this, the patient or their loved ones should reach out to lawyers specializing in medical malpractice cases. Under malpractice law, an attorney could help such a patient file a malpractice lawsuit and win or settle for funds to compensate for damages like pain and suffering, medical expenses, and wages lost due to illness or disability.
A malpractice lawsuit can help patients be made whole again. But the process may still be traumatic.
The emotional trauma of malpractice
Financial compensation can make a world of difference to a victim of medical malpractice, but nobody should assume that money is all that matters in such cases. The pain and suffering, the betrayal of trust, the fear and uncertainty — these are things that make a lasting impact, and no amount of money can undo them.
On top of this, the legal process can take some time to play out. A victim of medical malpractice can live for months with uncertainty about their case and, by extension, their financial future. Victims may have to relive their trauma for a courtroom and be present for legal proceedings that will include a defense team hoping to disprove the claims. Needless to say, this can be difficult to deal with.
It’s of crucial importance for victims of medical malpractice to continue to get care, not just for their medical needs and any injuries or illnesses stemming from the malpractice, but also for their mental health. Major medical events can have mental health consequences, explain expert therapists in NYC. And the fact that a malpractice event and the subsequent legal process can be so traumatic and taxing makes it even more important for victims to seek out therapy and other forms of mental health care.
This isn’t a crazy new idea: Mental health experts have long agreed that therapy is a great choice during a traumatic life event, whether it be a divorce, a death in the family, or a major medical issue. Therapy has something to offer virtually every person, and it can make a huge difference for those in particularly trying moments in their lives.
Victims of medical malpractice can and should rely on others, too. Loved ones can be a critical source of support, and great attorneys will provide clear communication that helps victims get through the process with less stress and uncertainty. But there is no substitute for a trained mental health professional, so make an appointment right away.