Seeking medical care is an exercise in trust. You put at least some trust in the professionals you see during your examination and treatment. Unfortunately, there are some people in the medical field that don’t always act ethically or responsibly. When this occurs, the patient often has to file a complaint about the inappropriate actions of the doctor or other medical personnel. If one group has its way, people who have complaints against their doctors or other medical professionals might have a new system to go through to lodge those complaints.
The Care First Kentucky Coalition is urging lawmakers to overhaul the state’s medical malpractice system. Members of this group claim that the creation of a review panel for medical malpractice lawsuits could deter meritless lawsuits. The House Speaker says that he may consider these panels for nursing home medical malpractice lawsuits, but adds that the findings of the panel shouldn’t be admissible in court. Panel members, however, could testify because they could be cross-examined.
Overhauling the medical malpractice system is a key issue in the legislative session for Republicans, according to the Senate Majority Leader. While this change hasn’t gone into effect, it would change how people would file medical malpractice complaints in Kentucky.
If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you might have the right to seek compensation for any injuries caused by the doctor, nursing home or because of hospital malpractice. Speaking with a Kentucky medical malpractice attorney from TLF may help you to understand your right to file claims for damages. It may also help you to understand your responsibilities through the process.
Source: WKMS, “Kentucky Lawmakers Urged To Take Up Medical Malpractice Issue” No author given, Jan. 24, 2014