The idea of having to visit a medical facility for treatment can be stressful enough as is, even without considering the additional risks one could encounter in the process. It may come as no surprise that medical negligence can come in various forms, each of which could pose a significant threat to the health of patients in Illinois. While part of the process of seeking restitution following claims of medical malpractice may involve a thorough examination of medical records, what happens if these records are inaccurate or incomplete?
A person’s medical records can hold a wealth of information, ranging anywhere from diagnosis information to paths of treatment. It may also hold information on previous visits to medical facilities, as well as information on one’s health history. As this information could play an integral role in issuing an accurate diagnosis and determining the proper path of treatment, any errors in medical records could bring about dire ramifications.
In a digital era, in which it is no longer necessary to attempt to decipher handwriting, it might seem like the risk of medical record errors may prove less imposing. However, studies indicate that there are also certain concerns that may be unique to digital recordkeeping. Regardless of how it happens, even the presence of minor errors in a person’s medical records could lead to an improper path of treatment that may either do little to help matters or do more harm than good.
Those who suffer severe harm due to the negligent actions of a medical professional or facility may wish to know more about how to prepare to seek restitution through a medical malpractice claim. Since this can be a complex process, a person could find it helpful to speak with an experienced attorney early on for guidance on what comes next. An attorney can examine the circumstances a client in Illinois is facing and assist him or her in seeking the restitution deserved through a claim against the party or parties deemed responsible.
