How do I report medical negligence?

Medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, occurs when a healthcare provider makes a mistake or fails to provide proper care, causing harm to a patient. These errors can take place in doctor’s offices, hospitals, surgical centers, and nursing homes and can result in serious injury or even death.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, medical malpractice attorneys Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro have decades of experience representing patients harmed by negligent medical care. They understand how devastating medical errors can be and fight to ensure victims receive justice and compensation.

How Common Is Medical Negligence?

Nearly 20% of all medical encounters result in some form of negligence that harms the patient. These errors include:

• Misdiagnoses that delay proper treatment.
• Surgical mistakes causing preventable complications.
• Medication errors, such as incorrect dosages or prescriptions.
• Delayed treatment, allowing a condition to worsen.

Medical negligence can have life-altering consequences, making it crucial to act quickly if you suspect an error has occurred.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence?

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, follow these steps:

1. Hire an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

State investigations alone may not uncover all the facts or compensate you for your injuries. An experienced attorney can:

• Conduct an independent investigation.
• Review your medical records for evidence of negligence.
• Consult with medical experts to determine what went wrong.

Michael Kaplen, a board-certified civil trial attorney, emphasizes:
"Medical errors often go unnoticed. A legal team with expertise in malpractice law is critical to uncovering the truth and holding providers accountable."

2. Report the Error to State Officials

If you suspect medical negligence, you can report the incident to state authorities.

• In New York, complaints are filed with the Department of Health, which investigates medical errors.
• If the negligence occurred in a doctor’s office, each state has a separate disciplinary board to handle investigations.

3. Understand the Limits of State Investigations

While reporting medical errors can help hold healthcare providers accountable, state investigations do not guarantee compensation for your injuries. This is why hiring a malpractice attorney is essential.

Shana De Caro, former Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America, explains:
"State investigations can penalize negligent doctors, but they don’t help victims recover lost wages, medical expenses, or emotional damages. That’s where legal action is necessary."

Why Should You Hire a Malpractice Attorney When You Suspect Medical Negligence?

Hiring a medical malpractice attorney ensures a thorough investigation into your case.

What Will Your Malpractice Attorney Do?

• Obtain and analyze your medical records for evidence of mistakes.
• Consult with independent medical experts to determine errors and assess preventability.
• Build a strong case to ensure you and your family receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why Hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP for Your Malpractice Case?

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we have the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle complex medical malpractice cases.

• Michael V. Kaplen has been named one of New York’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and has successfully represented medical malpractice victims across the state.
• Shana De Caro is a leader in medical malpractice and personal injury law, ensuring victims receive the full compensation they deserve.

We are committed to uncovering the truth, holding negligent parties accountable, and securing the best outcome for you.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Let us fight for justice and compensation while you focus on healing.