You should be able to trust your healthcare providers, especially when you are vulnerable from injury or illness. Sadly, not all patients will receive quality care at every appointment, and those who end up the victims of malpractice often suffer devastating consequences as a result.

Medical malpractice is a lot more common than most Americans who place significant trust in their doctors realize. In fact, according to Forbes, it is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Because malpractice is so prevalent, it is reasonable to assume that you could be on the receiving end of negligent health care at some point. Would you know what to do in such a scenario?

If you want to hold your providers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve, there are certain steps you must take–and certain missteps you should avoid–in order to build a strong claim. Fortunately, you do not have to attempt to navigate them on your own.

An experienced lawyer can gather evidence and negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf so you can focus on recovering. To discuss your case with a compassionate medical malpractice attorney in Jackson, turn to The Bowling Law Firm.

David A. Bowling can assess your situation to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.

Read on to learn what you should and should not do if you suspect you have been the victim of medical malpractice:

Do Not Reach out to Your Provider

If you received negligent care, you may be considering reaching out to the provider or the facility where he or she practices in order to file a complaint. Doing so could put you at a disadvantage, though, because it would mean discussing the details of the case with the opposing party. It would also mean giving the facility the opportunity to resolve the case internally and to convince you not to pursue legal action even though doing so would ultimately be in your best interests.

Do Document All Damages

If you sustained any visible injuries, take clear, high-quality photographs of them every single day in order to document their progression. If your symptoms or injuries are not visible, start tracking them in a detailed journal. You should also save all medical records, pharmacy receipts, and rehabilitation paperwork so you have a comprehensive record of the damages incurred.

Do Not Postpone Filing Your Claim

In the state of Louisiana, patients have just one year to file a medical malpractice claim. If you let more than 12 months pass before pursuing legal action against a negligent provider, the court will simply dismiss your case, and you will lose all recourse for recovering compensation.

Do Seek Legal Counsel

Although it is possible to file a malpractice claim without legal guidance, hiring a seasoned ally to protect your best interests during every stage of the proceedings could prove to be invaluable. It will also allow you to focus on your health as opposed to spending all your free time navigating the claims process on your own.

If you think you were the victim of medical malpractice and you’re ready to discuss your case with an attorney, turn to The Bowling Law Firm. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a case evaluation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Jackson. If you want to learn more about malpractice claims in Mississippi, visit the USAttorneys website.