When you go to a hospital, you expect professional care that effectively addresses your medical issues, not mistakes that make your condition worse. Unfortunately, hospital negligence happens more often than many people realize.
If you believe you suffered harm due to hospital negligence in Santa Fe or elsewhere in New Mexico, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Steps to Take Immediately After You Suspect Hospital Negligence
If something feels wrong after a hospital visit, trust your instincts. Your next steps can have a significant impact on your health and any potential medical malpractice claims you might pursue.
- Get Medical Help Right Away
Your well-being comes first. If you experience worsening symptoms or unexpected complications, be sure to:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Go to a different hospital provider if possible
- Follow all treatment recommendations
Prompt care not only protects your health but also creates vital documentation linking your injury to the hospital treatment. That documentation can prove valuable should you seek compensation for your injuries.
- Request Copies of Your Medical Records
Medical records provide some of the most critical evidence in a hospital negligence case. You have the right to request:
- Admission and discharge records
- Physician and nursing notes
- Medication administration logs
- Imaging results and lab reports
- Surgical and anesthesia records
Request these records as soon as possible and keep copies for your own files. Your attorney can review them for evidence of negligence when building your medical malpractice claim.
- Document Everything You Remember and Gather Evidence
Memories often fade faster than you might expect, and you should retain as much information about your experience as possible. As soon as you’re able, write down everything you can remember, including:
- Dates and times of treatment
- Names of doctors, nurses, and staff members
- Medications you were given
- Symptoms you experienced or reported
- What healthcare providers told you about your condition
You should also begin gathering any evidence you have, including:
- Prescription bottles or medical devices
- Discharge paperwork and billing statements
- Photos of visible injuries or infections
- Emails or patient portal messages
Keep everything in an organized file and refrain from altering or discarding any documents related to your care. All of this evidence can combine to provide a clear picture of hospital negligence when building your malpractice claim.
- Avoid Discussing the Incident with the Hospital’s Insurer
Hospitals and insurance companies may contact you shortly after the incident with the intention of weakening your claim. Refer them to your attorney whenever possible, but if you must speak with them:
- Do not give recorded statements
- Do not sign releases or accept settlement offers
- Do not assume the hospital is “just trying to help”
Anything you say could be used to limit or deny your claim, and oftentimes, your words may seem harmless in the moment. Exercise extreme caution when communicating with these parties.
- Contact an Attorney Right Away
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can lead you through the legal process and help you avoid critical errors that may compromise your claim. The sooner you contact one, the stronger your claim can be. Don’t hesitate.
Complications vs. Medical Negligence: What’s the Difference?
Not every bad outcome qualifies as medical malpractice. Some complications are known risks of treatment even when your healthcare provider meets the accepted standard of care. Hospital negligence occurs when providers fail to meet that standard and cause you harm. Examples include:
- Medication errors or incorrect dosages
- Failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes or preventable infections
- Ignoring patient symptoms or test results
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can review your records to determine whether your injury was preventable and inform you of your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in New Mexico?
Under the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act, you have three years from the date the malpractice occurred to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means permanently losing your right to recover your rightful compensation. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
Contact a New Mexico Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Perhaps the most important thing you can do when you suspect hospital negligence is to contact a reputable medical malpractice attorney right away. The team at Hunt Law Firm will launch an immediate investigation to identify all liable parties and then fight to hold them accountable. Contact us today for your free consultation.