When we seek medical care, we expect to be treated with skill, attention, and care. Most of the time, doctors and healthcare providers do their jobs well. But there are situations where something goes wrong—not just because of a poor outcome, but because a preventable mistake was made. That’s when questions about medical malpractice may arise. Recognizing the signs of malpractice can help us decide whether legal action might be appropriate.
Unusual Delays In Diagnosis Or Treatment
One of the more common signs of medical malpractice is a delay that doesn’t make sense. If a doctor waits too long to order tests, review results, or begin treatment, it can lead to serious health consequences. Delays that cause a condition to worsen—or allow a treatable issue to turn life-threatening—may be a sign that someone failed to act when they should have.
A Diagnosis That Doesn’t Match The Symptoms
If we feel like something is wrong but keep getting dismissed or misdiagnosed, it may raise concerns. Doctors can make errors, but if the diagnosis seems completely out of step with our symptoms, that’s a red flag. In some cases, a second opinion reveals the true issue—something the first provider should have caught. If harm results from that delay or misdiagnosis, we may have grounds for a claim.
Treatment That Causes Unexpected Harm
All medical procedures carry some risk, but when the treatment itself causes harm that should have been avoided, it could point to malpractice. This includes surgical errors, medication mistakes, or improper use of equipment. If a provider delivers the wrong treatment or applies the right treatment incorrectly and that causes damage, it may reflect a failure in the standard of care.
Lack Of Informed Consent
Before any significant procedure or treatment, we have the right to know the risks and alternatives. If a provider moves forward without explaining what to expect—or if they skip that step entirely—that may be a problem. When harm results from a procedure we didn’t fully agree to or understand, that lack of informed consent can become a key part of a malpractice claim.
Worsening Condition With No Clear Explanation
If our health starts to decline and no one seems to offer a clear reason why, it’s fair to question the care we received. Especially after surgery, childbirth, or emergency care, worsening symptoms should be taken seriously. If the medical team downplays concerns or fails to follow up, it may point to an oversight that caused avoidable harm.
Spotting these signs doesn’t mean we’re guaranteed to have a malpractice case, but it does mean we should ask questions and get answers. At The Law Office of Jeffrey Weiskopf, we help individuals and families understand what happened and determine whether legal action is the right step to be taken. If you’re looking for a medical malpractice lawyer Ossining, NY trusts, who can evaluate your situation, we’re ready to listen and help you move forward. Contact us today.
