When your child gets sick, what’s the first thing you do? Most of you will answer that you consult a doctor or visit the hospital immediately. Right? After all, you trust doctors in Tacoma to help your child heal.

But what if something goes wrong? What if there are unusual side effects of a medication? Or what if your child’s health will get worse after the treatment? This is where the concept of medical malpractice comes in. Yes, it can happen to your child as well.

In this difficult situation, it is okay to feel scared, frustrated, and even angry at doctors. But the good news is that with a few steps, you can protect your child’s health, rights, and future.

Let’s break down things into simple terms:

Blurred scene of a hospital hallway.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Before we discuss the steps to take after medical malpractice, let’s discuss what it actually is.

So, medical malpractice is a situation when a doctor or a hospital makes a serious mistake while treating the patient. It is not about the treatment not working. Instead, it is about the treatment that has made the health situation even more worse.

Some examples of medical malpractice are giving the wrong medication, performing surgery incorrectly, or failing to diagnose the problem in time.

If this happens to your child, then don’t sit quietly. It is important to speak up and get help. Know that you have the right to protect your child and seek justice for the harm caused by someone else’s error.

Steps to Take After a Medical Malpractice

Here are some of the steps you should take after a medical malpractice:

  1. Take Care of Your Child First

First and most important thing you should do is to make sure that your child is okay. If you notice that your child is not doing well, don’t hesitate to go for a second opinion.

Also, keep notes of what’s happening, like symptoms, medications, and names of the doctors or nurses involved in this. Write down dates, times, and anything unusual you notice in your child.

This information can help later if you need to take legal steps against the doctor or the hospital.

Remember, your child’s comfort and safety come first. Stay calm, give them love and support, and be their voice when something doesn’t feel right.

  1. Seek Help from a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Once your child is safe and you have gathered all the information about the incident, now it’s time to talk to a medical malpractice lawyer.

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Tacoma, WA understands how to handle the cases like these and they can guide you through the legal process.

Most lawyers offer a free consultation, so you can tell them your story and get their opinion on whether you have a case. And many work on a “no win, no fee” basis, which means you only pay them if you win your case.

  1. File a Claim

Filing a malpractice claim isn’t only about getting money. Instead, it is about standing up for your child and making sure the mistake is not ignored.

When doctors or hospitals make a serious mistake, they are accountable for that. By filing a claim, you can help that medical malpractice is not done to any other child in the future.

A successful claim can also help you cover medical bills, therapy, or special care your child may now need. It can ease the financial stress and help your family move forward.

  1. Be Patient, But Don’t Wait For Too Long

Medical malpractice cases can take time. It might be months or even years before everything is settled, and that’s okay. What’s important is taking the right steps for your child. But don’t wait too long to start. There are time limits, called statutes of limitations, that decide how long you have to file a claim.

If you wait too long, you might lose your chance. Talk to a lawyer early so you understand your deadline. While being patient is important, taking action at the right time helps protect your child’s future and keeps your legal options open.

Wrapping Up

No one ever wants to deal with medical malpractice, especially when it involves a child. But if it happens, know this: You have the power to fight back. You can ask questions, demand answers, and stand up for your child’s rights.

You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Just take it one step at a time. Focus on your child’s care, gather information, talk to a lawyer, and lean on people who support you.