For decades, the healthcare industry has been associated with the potential danger of misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, even in the past few years alone, there has been an increase in medical malpractice cases. Research completed in 2017 even pointed to the fact that roughly 100,000 Americans died or were permanently disabled because of an incorrect or delayed medical diagnosis.

Our medical malpractice lawyers in North Chicago recommend the following to reduce your risk of suffering from the effects of medical malpractice. 

An Emphasis on Word of Mouth

Selecting a doctor that other friends and family members go to and trust is a great starting point in reducing your risk of medical malpractice. This is especially the case if more than one person recommends the same doctor. If you have recently moved to a new city, consider looking into the reviews of multiple doctors before making your decision. 

Second Opinions are Key

Your gut is always right. If you go to a doctor and you feel skeptical about what they are suggesting, this is a red flag. Going to a second doctor for another opinion is a great idea, and then you can compare the opinions of both (or more) doctors. While this route does require more work, it is well worth it in the end. 

Research, Research, Research

Protect your health by putting in a sufficient amount of research is another important measure to take. This means, at the bare minimum, researching some of your symptoms and looking into possibilities to have in mind when you visit the doctor. 

Should you ever find yourself in a situation where you don’t believe your doctor correctly diagnosed you or a loved one, reach out to our malpractice lawyers in North Chicago today.