If you are a victim of medical malpractice, the law entitles you to compensation for any medical expenses incurred, pain and suffering, lost wages as well as other losses arising from the incident.
However, being entitled to compensation does not mean that it’s easy to claim. You may have to file a lawsuit, and you’ll most certainly need to provide evidence that supports your position and documents your losses.
Before you even get started, there are at least three things you should probably gather up:
Proof of your treatment and your medical bills
It is important that you keep copies of your treatment bills following the malpractice incident — even if your insurance is currently footing the bills. The court will need to establish how much you paid for the treatment and any other medical care that resulted from complications associated with the malpractice as it tries to determine how much you are owed.
Proof of lost income
If you lost work time due to illness or hospitalization following the malpractice incident, you may be entitled to compensation for those, as well. Again, however, you need to prove your losses. Attendance records, statements from your employer about your lost earning capacity and more can support your claim.
Proof of out-of-pocket expenses
Sometimes, you may incur expenses related to the complications resulting from medical malpractice that are not itemized in the official billing records. For instance, you may need to purchase over-the-counter medications or medical equipment directly from the store. Maybe you need to hire someone to do household tasks you once did yourself. Make sure that you present records of these expenses as part of your claim.
Whether you have sustained an injury as a result of a hospital or doctor’s negligence, gathering the right documentation for your medical malpractice suit can go a long way in ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
