7 Ways to Defend Your Family After Medical Negligence

According to Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. However, this is not a saying that should be involved when it comes to the healthcare of another individual. It's unfortunate, but medical negligence is a real problem in the world, with reports coming out just a few years ago that listed it among the top three causes of death in the United States.

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While we are expected to trust our healthcare providers, there are far too many instances in which their actions can cause significant harm to patients. Following this type of situation and in matters of medical negligence, it's very important for those affected to recognize what they can do after the fact to protect themselves and their families.

Here are seven things you can do after medical negligence.

1. Show that There was a Doctor-Patient Relationship and a Duty of Care

In any matter involving injury caused by negligence, one of the most important steps is proving that there was a duty of care between the plaintiff (you and your family) and the defendant (the medical professional). This means proving that there was in fact a doctor-patient relationship that existed.

If this was not a situation in which the relationship was present, it may be more difficult to show the medical negligence in a compelling light. However, if you can show that it was your doctor who acted in negligence and broke a trust that you had for him or her, their actions can be used to prove liability.

2. Proving that There was a Breach In the Duty of Care and Doctor-Patient Relationship

The doctor-patient relationship is supposed to be built on trust. This means that the doctor trusts that you will listen to his or her advice and your trust the doctor to provide you with care and the necessary treatment to improve your physical condition.

Proving that there was a breach in the duty of care means showing that the doctor did something outside of their normal duties that caused even more harm to the patient. This could include surgical errors, medication errors, and more.

3. Detailing How the Breach of Duty of Care Led to the Injury

One of the factors that is typically involved in a case of medical negligence is showing that the act that the doctor performed was not only negligent, but was the direct cause of the injury itself.

For instance, if the doctor performed a surgery and instructed the patient to avoid certain activities due to risk of the incision reopening, but the patient doesn't listen, any injury sustained after that fact may be the fault of the patient for not listening. 

However, if the error occurred and the injury directly resulted from that error, it would be the fault of the doctor.

4. Getting the Expert Witness to Testify for You

One big asset you can have during a case involving medical negligence is to secure the assistance of another medical expert who can serve as a witness on your behalf. This party can help break down how the procedure should have been performed, what errors may have existed, how the error could have caused harm, and the long-term effects that may have resulted.

Having the expert witness on your side can prove to be very beneficial to your case in proving that the doctor was in fact negligent.

5. Recognizing What Rights You Have to File a Claim

Unfortunately, many situations of medical negligence fall under personal injury law and different statutes associated with the location in which the negligence occurred can impact your ability to file a claim. Each location has varying statutes that determine when a person can actually file a claim following the injury.

The statutes of limitation may limit how long you have to actually file a claim following the medical negligence and it's important to know if the action and injury did occur within the time period for which you are allowed to file. If you fail to file within this time frame, the case may not be able to be filed and it can leave you without the legal action you deserve.

6. Gathering All of the Necessary Evidence to Properly File

Much like in any kind of accident in which injury occurs, it's important for you as the victim to recognize what type of evidence is necessary to properly file a claim and have the most favorable chance at seeking compensation. In matters of medical negligence, this is no different and there are certain pieces of information that you can get to help you in the process.

For instance, having the necessary medical records between you and your doctor can help to show that there was an actual doctor-patient relationship and a duty of care. You can also get another doctor involved to help you tell your story, showing how the injury was sustained. It's important for you to have as much help as needed because the medical professional will be backed by their insurance, the hospital, and a large legal team looking to limit their liability.

7. Getting the Right Legal Professional On Your Side

In terms of taking legal action after medical negligence, there's not much that you can accomplish on your own. You may not have access to the necessary resources to prove that you have a case, thus you want to have someone who knows what information is needed and how to get it. Having a legal professional can help you protect your rights at all times and prevent the defendant from exposing any vulnerabilities in your case.

Securing the representation of a strong legal advocate can put you in a favorable position to prove that medical negligence was the direct result of your injuries and that you deserve compensation. Even better, strong legal counsel can help you move forward after one of the most difficult things you could possibly endure.

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7 simple improvement tips that can make your family home look grand

When a home looks great, everyone enjoys spending time in every space. However, the process of completing renovating an old home to make it stand out requires patience, dedication, and drive. If you need help making your home grand, the strategies in this guide can help.

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Cabinets

Because kitchen cabinets are a focal point in a kitchen, you should begin a home renovation job by replacing your cabinets. Besides solid wood, the following cabinet materials can give a kitchen a grand vibe.

●     Plywood: Plywood is a popular material that's made from multiple layers of thin wood. Each slab is secured together with industrial-grade glue; however, the wood grains are always visible. If you install new plywood cabinets in your kitchen, the laminated coating on the wood will shine.

●     Wood veneer: A wood veneer is usually three mms, which is very thin. This material is commonly used to make modern cabinets because the slabs are strategically layered. If you want cabinets with grains that have character, a wood veneer option is worth considering.

●     Particle board: Particle board has a combination of sawdust, wood shavings, and wood chips. As a result, it's a low-density option for designer cabinets. The particles are mainly featured inside of the board, and the outer portion has a solid layer that can be painted or stained.

Floors

In order to completely renovate a kitchen, you'll have to upgrade the floors. Although the process of tearing up old flooring seems complicated, there are simple ways to accomplish this objective. For example, if your home has damaged tile flooring, you can prepared the area for renovations by working with a tile removal GC team. After every tile slab is extracted, you can upgrade your kitchen with one of the following flooring options:

●     Linoleum: Linoleum is a very stylish wood that's made from multiple materials, such as ground cork dust, linseed oil, and wood flour. If your kitchen has many windows that let in natural light, linoleum flooring is a great choice because the pigments will glow as sunlight shines into the kitchen.

●     Hardwood: Hardwood is another material that shines. This flooring option is available in many styles, cuts, species, and colors, and every slab has a unique grain pattern.

●     Stone: A stone floor is constructed out of rock. You can use this material confidently in a busy kitchen because it has polished surfaces that don't scratch easily.

●     Limestone: This is an upscale option that consists of high quality tiles. If you want to decorate your kitchen with colorful, dense flooring, you'll benefit from using limestone.

Counters

When people step into a kitchen, they immediately notice the counter tops. If you want a grand kitchen, you'll need to replace chipped, cracked counters with new counter tops that are constructed out of professional-grade material. The best counter top options include

●     Marble: Marble is made from metamorphic rock, which is a very elegant material. Although marble is expensive, it's a practical material for a grand design.

●     Soapstone: Soapstone contains a variety of components. However, the main ingredient is mineral talc, which is very soft. Mineral talc doesn't make a soapstone slab weak because the soapstone formula also features a lot of quartz. The quartz gives a soapstone counter a hard, dense layer that's suitable for a grand kitchen.

●     Quartz: A quartz counter top has five percent polymer resins and nearly 95 percent quartz. This engineered counter material has colors that provide flair in a kitchen.

Carpeting

Beyond the kitchen, the flooring in the living room and bedrooms need appealing design elements in a grand home. The top carpeting options for these spaces include

●     Wool: Wool is one of the most popular materials that designers use to make carpets. This material is luxurious, practical, and sustainable, and it doesn't require a lot of maintenance because the fibers don't hold stains.

●     Polyester: Polyester is a soft material that's available in various colors. It's a great choice for high-traffic areas since the fibers are stain-resistant.

●     Nylon: Nylon is an expensive carpet material that's very strong If you invest in nylon carpeting, everyone will have opportunities to walk on plush material that offers great support.

Lighting

Lighting is an important component that illuminates a grand design. If your home's entrance doesn't stand out, you can use solar lighting to enhance the surroundings. Great solar lights will highlight your home at night after the sun sets if they're mounted on both sides of your driveway. After your path is upgraded, you must take proper steps to enhance the lighting throughout the home. For example, if you want to impress guests as they enter your home, hang a ceiling fan with an elegant light fixture in the center of the main living space. In order to make a kitchen more appealing, simply hang designer lights over the counters.

Accessories

Blinds and curtains can make a dull space stand out while reducing energy costs. Before investing in these products, you must measure your windows and take notes. The measurements are important because they will help you select blinds and curtains that will fit snugly on your wall.

Decorative Items

The final design components in a grand home are decorative items. When arranging decorations on shelves, always consider the overall theme of each space. If an environment has neutral colors, decorate the area with decorations that have a rustic color scheme. Bright decorative items work best on vibrant counters.

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Ask Yourself: How Can I Make 2019 the Best Year Possible?

From your love life to your career, there are many aspects that make you unique. However, no matter how successful or happy you are, there’s always room for improvement. This could be something as simple as drinking more water or taking steps to boost your self-confidence. Before you shrug the idea off, take a few minutes to ask yourself if you’re truly comfortable. If you find the answer is no, now is a great time to do something about it.

Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is just as important as experience when it comes to your personal and professional endeavors. If you don’t have it, you may be less willing to reach outside of your comfort zone, which can ultimately hold you back. Think about the people you know who are the most confident. What do they do that makes them different from you? Chances are, they remind themselves of their worth each day, set realistic goals so they can measure — and revel in — their progress, and make self-care a priority.

Career

While everyone can expect to have stressful days at work, if these pile up to the point where you dread getting up in the morning, you may be unhappy at your chosen place of employment without even realizing it. Peter Jones of the Job Network explains that not caring about the quality of your work, constantly being late, and isolating yourself from your peers and coworkers are all signs that something is amiss at the office. Even if you’re not unhappy, improving your career can increase your overall satisfaction. Plus, things such as getting a mentor and improving your professional network can open up professional opportunities.

Education

Perhaps you regret never finishing college and want to go back to school for an advanced degree. If you find that your lack of educational experience is holding you back, you’re not alone. Thousands of working adults go back to school every year, and a degree may be closer than you think since many academic institutions offer credit for life experience. Unfortunately, college isn’t cheap, and even if you live in a state that offers financial assistance for adults, there may be limited spots available. StudentLoanHero.com asserts, however, that there are many scholarship and grant opportunities available for adults

Health

It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 75, there’s always room to improve on your health. This means practicing portion control, prioritizing nutrition, exercise, and doing things to enhance your mental health, such as socializing or speaking up for yourself. If you don’t already have a gym membership, look for a fitness center with exercise classes near you. This can help keep you on track and will serve as motivation on the days you’d rather lie around in bed. It may sound cliché, but it’s true that you only have one body, and it’s up to you to take care of it.

Relationships

It’s unfortunate, but we often stay in unhealthy relationships out of habit. However, if your significant other doesn’t make you feel like the best version of yourself, then it’s time to reevaluate your partnership. If you don’t feel like an equal, don’t share the same goals, or can’t match your partner’s words with their actions — they say they love you, but they often act otherwise — then it may be time to go solo for a while. If you want to break the chains of codependency, you’ll need to become self-aware. Some therapists recommend journaling and questioning your personal beliefs as a way to get to know yourself.

There is no shame in admitting you need to make improvements. Look at all of the aspects of your life, and don’t be afraid to question your circumstances. It may be scary, but sometimes breaking out of your comfort zone is the best way to become a better version of you.

Image via Pixabay

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