Patients expect doctors to take proper care of them. While this is usually exactly what happens, there are times when medical professionals don’t do what they should. One way that they provide poor care is by failing to ensure they’re meeting or exceeding the standard of care.
The standard of care is the lowest acceptable care that the doctor should provide. Anything below that standard is considered negligence.
What impacts the standard of care?
Various factors impact what standard of care patients should expect from the doctor. These include:
- Doctor’s training
- Available testing and imaging
- Medical history provided
- Technology at the doctor’s disposal
Typically, you’d expect a higher standard of care from a specialist than you would from a general practitioner. For example, an oncologist would provide better care for a person who has advanced cancer than what a family doctor could provide.
It’s often challenging to prove that a doctor didn’t meet the standard of care because it varies so much. Expert witnesses are usually necessary, but the medical community is tight-knit. Finding a doctor who’s qualified to testify about the standard of care might be difficult, but working with someone who has connections with doctors who put patients first may make this a bit easier.
Anyone harmed by medical malpractice should ensure they get medical care to address their issues. They may also opt to pursue a claim for compensation. This can help them to recover money for medical bills and other expenses that are related to the harm. There are time limits set for these cases in Connecticut, so don’t wait too long.
