The Link Between Medical Malpractice and Emotional Trauma

Emotional Trauma

The National Center for Health Statistics reported that 85.1 percent of adults and 93.6 percent of children made visits to a healthcare professional (2017). 2017 saw 883.7 million visits to physician offices. More than half of these visits were to the offices of primary care physicians. People who trust their doctors and feel satisfied with the care they receive are likely to continue visiting the same doctor and taking regular visits.

Decades ago, 73 percent of Americans trusted medical professionals, but this trust has waned to 34 percent. When people lack faith in physicians and medical professionals, there can be health consequences. Patients who trust doctors are more likely to follow medical advice concerning exercising, using condoms, quitting smoking, taking prescribed medicine, and sticking to a special diet. People who don’t trust medical professionals are more likely to go without a flu shot or use other medical safeguards.

People trust doctors and healthcare professionals to provide proper care because of their medical school training and studying. For this reason, it can shock and disappoint people to learn of incidents where doctors and medical professionals harmed their patients. Harmful acts committed by doctors toward their patients constitute medical malpractice.

Incidents that classify as medical malpractice include incorrect, delayed, and failed diagnoses, problems that occur in the emergency room or during surgical procedures, and anesthesia, pharmacy, and medication errors.

When someone feels a doctor’s negligent actions harmed or wronged them, they should consult medical malpractice lawyers who can help them file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the individual responsible for the medical error, and the facility or hospital that employs them.

For a patient to have a medical malpractice case, they must demonstrate that a medical professional’s negligence harmed them and worsened their physical, mental, and emotional health. Valid medical malpractice cases must meet the criteria of the four D’s of medical malpractice: duty, dereliction, direct causation, and damage. Cases can benefit if clients keep a record of medical expenses they must pay for treatment and care following medical errors.

Patients have to demonstrate that they wouldn’t have been harmed under similar circumstances by a competent healthcare professional and that a doctor’s negligence is the direct cause of physical and emotional harm, rather than an existing health problem. Legal experts, such as those with Davis Kelin Law Firm, can fight for their clients to get the compensation they deserve for health and lifestyle changes.

The best medical malpractice lawyers are those who stay updated on legal decisions and changes made to existing laws and know that each medical malpractice case is unique. Experienced legal professionals at Davis Kelin Law Firm work hard to get their clients compensated for economic and non-economic damages they’ve incurred.

In addition to causing physical and emotional injuries, medical negligence can result in fatalities in some cases. Enduring a malpractice incident or watching a loved one deal with harm at the hands of a medical professional can be overwhelming and traumatic. Life-altering injuries can cause emotional trauma that impairs someone’s professionalism and ability to work, mental health, and personal relationships. Considering the link between physical pain and depression,  individuals and families who might need help coping with changes caused by negligent medical professionals should be open to seeking professional help.

To find a therapist, people can search the internet and seek referrals from family members, friends, and physicians, and medical professionals they trust. Residents of Washington D.C. and people willing to travel for trustworthy, high-quality treatment can consult professionals at the Therapy Group of DC. Therapists at Therapy Group of DC provide clients with personalized treatment backed by scientific data. Using their expertise, therapists can guide clients and help them cope with and overcome emotional trauma and the stress of having to adjust to life following life-changing events.

People can rely on professionals such as malpractice lawyers and therapists and mental health experts to provide support during stressful times following medical incidents. Lawyers focus on the legal aspects of situations, and therapists focus on mental and emotional health, allowing harmed patients and their families to focus on physical healing.