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If you’re planning on filing a medical malpractice claim, there’s undeniably a lot at stake. You probably incurred significant losses, for example, that you’re struggling to make up for long after your doctor actually made the mistakes they did.

With your family’s financial security on the line, it’s imperative that you do everything in your power to secure a satisfactory settlement or favorable judgement. While there’s no way to ensure your claim will yield a payout, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Of course, there are also missteps you need to be careful to avoid.

Read on to learn what those steps—and missteps—are, so you can help your case get off to a strong start:

1. Do Preserve Your Medical Records

As long as you give them permission, your legal team can gather all kinds of documentation on your behalf. If you have access to any of the records yourself, however—through the practice’s online portal, for example—compile what you can, so your medical malpractice attorney has a jumping off point when building your claim.

2. Don’t Post About the Situation on Social Media

It might be tempting to turn to social media for support during such a stressful time. Since the insurance adjuster will undoubtedly scrutinize whatever posts they can, though, it’s best to lay low until your claim has been resolved. Should you publish anything that gives the opposing party cause to challenge your credibility, your entire claim could crumble.

3. Do Keep a Daily Journal

Compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life often makes up a significant portion of personal injury awards. You can only seek funds for such damages, however, if you can prove you actually incurred them.

There are all kinds of ways to demonstrate the extent of non-monetary losses, but detailed journal entries are probably the most widely accepted. Start a daily journal as soon as you realize you were the victim of malpractice, and use it to log the everyday hurdles you face as a result of the complications you suffered.

4. Don’t Accept Help from the Opposing Party

Medical providers often anticipate litigation, and they’ll try to get out ahead of it whenever they can. Once the facility that treated you learns you’re thinking about taking action, they may offer to conduct an internal investigation on your behalf.

While you can’t stop them from doing so, you shouldn’t rely on their findings to bolster your claim. Their primary goal is to protect their best interests, not yours. As such, you need to conduct your own investigation, which you can do with help from a seasoned legal team.

Discuss Your Case with a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Tampa

Did you suffer serious complications after receiving substandard care from a medical provider or facility? For help holding the liable party accountable, turn to Capaz Law Firm, P.A.

Our compassionate team knows how much devastation medical mistakes leave in their wake, and we’re determined to help all those who are affected. Call 813-551-3907 or fill out our Contact Form to set up a free initial consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Tampa.