Provo Medical Malpractice Lawyer: Know Your Rights | Howard Lewis & Petersen
Provo Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Holding Negligent Doctors and Hospitals Accountable
Provo, UT – When we seek medical care, we place our trust in the hands of doctors and hospitals, expecting competent and safe treatment. While most healthcare professionals are dedicated and skilled, devastating mistakes can and do happen. For over four decades, David Lambert of Howard Lewis & Petersen, P.C., has represented individuals and families in Provo, Utah, who have suffered due to medical malpractice.
Medical negligence can arise from an honest mistake by a proficient doctor or as a result of a provider’s lack of competence or a hospital’s inadequate policies. In either case, the consequences for the patient can be catastrophic.
A Tragic Example of Medical Negligence
A heartbreaking case handled by our firm illustrates the severe impact of substandard medical care. We represented the husband and four children of a woman who tragically died after a hospital emergency room sent her home with sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency where the body has an extreme response to an infection. Without immediate treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Timely medical intervention, often with antibiotics, is critical for survival.
In this case, the patient presented with alarmingly low blood pressure, a key indicator of sepsis. Shockingly, she was discharged hours later with a diagnosis of a common virus and a prescription for pain medication. Her dangerously low blood pressure alone should have prompted immediate admission to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
A few hours after returning home, her symptoms worsened. Her husband rushed her back to the same hospital, but it was too late. An expert witness who reviewed the case confirmed that with appropriate antibiotic treatment from the start, she would have survived.
This family’s trust in the medical system was shattered. This is a stark reminder that patients must be their own advocates.
Know Your Rights and Advocate for Your Health
Navigating the aftermath of a potential medical error can be overwhelming. Many attorneys do not handle medical malpractice cases because of their complex and technical nature. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence, it is crucial to understand your legal rights.
Drawing from his extensive experience, David Lambert offers the following advice to empower patients:
Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask your medical providers for clarification or more information about your condition and treatment plan.
Seek a Second Opinion: You are entitled to a second opinion, especially if the recommended course of action, such as surgery, seems premature or if you have doubts.
Trust Your Instincts: If medical advice doesn’t feel right, firmly and politely advocate for yourself or your family member.
Find a Doctor Who Listens: If you feel dismissed or ignored by your doctor, seek care from another provider.
Research Before Surgery: Take the time to research a surgeon’s credentials and experience before undergoing a procedure.
Beware of Rushed Decisions: If a doctor seems to be rushing towards surgery without exploring conservative treatments first, a second opinion is essential.
Persistent Pain is a Warning Sign: While some pain can be a normal part of healing, abnormal or persistent pain should be taken seriously. Persist in finding a doctor who will listen to your concerns.
Contact a Provo Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to medical malpractice in Provo, Utah, or the surrounding areas, contact Howard Lewis & Petersen, P.C. for a free consultation. Our experienced medical malpractice attorney, David Lambert, can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a case. Let our 40 years of experience guide you through this difficult time.
