When most people think of medical malpractice, they tend to imagine a surgical mistake or misdiagnosis. While these situations most certainly could qualify as physician negligence, it is important to note that medical malpractice covers a wide range of events. According to Connecticut Law, medical malpractice takes place when a health care professional fails to adhere to the standards within their profession, resulting in a harmful outcome for his or her patient.

You Are Entitled to Respect and Courtesy

Connecticut’s courtrooms are seeing more and more cases where physicians have behaved in a disrespectful way toward their patients. In one case, a doctor was overheard insulting his patient while she was under anesthesia. In another, a surgeon was reported for dancing mid-surgery. In a third case, a doctor cracked crude jokes at the expense of his patient while she was being treated.

These incidents often go unreported. However, when these transgressions are brought to light, they can result in compensatory settlements and awards for patients—sometimes totaling in the millions.

The bottom line is that you are entitled to respect and courtesy at all times while under medical treatment. While offensive behavior may not cause a physical injury, it can have a long-term psychological impact.

If you feel that you have been degraded, insulted, or disrespected by your health care professional, or that your health problems were misdiagnosed, then you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice. It is important to note, however, that disrespectful behavior does not automatically constitute medical malpractice, but if this behavior led to a misdiagnosis or treatment mistake, then it may strengthen your case.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney for Help

If you were the victim of medical malpractice, then one of your first calls should be to a Westport medical malpractice attorney. Richard H. Raphael, Attorney at Law, has more than 40 years of experience practicing law, and he gives each case the attention that it deserves. To schedule your consultation today, please call 203-226-6168.

Source:

http://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/law/malpractice.htm