Since we were infants and our parents looked after us, if we felt ill, we’d go to the doctor. As such, to ensure proper care down the line, everything we’ve been treated for, from illnesses and allergies to vaccinations and immunizations, have been documented in our medical records, so that whenever we go again, our new doctor can appropriately and competently determine the best course of treatment.
However, many an Albuquerque medical malpractice lawyer has had to assist victims of improper care due to disregard for medical history. A troubling thought for patients is that this brand of negligence can happen at any time, such as the doctor ignoring previous issues and having them develop further, missing a vital piece of the patient’s medical past and prescribing medication that will not mix with their systems (or other medications they’re on), or by ordering unnecessary surgery.
Doctors aren’t the only ones who can erroneously administer medication that can send a patient spiraling. Say a nurse notices the patient is running a fever and doesn’t check to see if they’re allergic to ibuprofen. That’s a surefire way to discomfort, or outright pain, just because of a simple assumption that the patient would be fine.
Sometimes, a doctor doesn’t check medical records and can order a treatment that could put the patient in harm, or order an unnecessary surgery. In the latter example, the patient will endure painful recovery time, cost of surgery and care, and may be subject to further complications as a result of the unnecessary surgery.
If you, a family member, or friend believe you are the victim of negligence, contact our offices today to speak with an Albuquerque malpractice lawyer so we can investigate if there was an error in your medical records and/or treatment. We can’t change what happened, but we can help protect you for the future.