Three Reasons People Are Afraid To Bring Lawsuits Against Doctors

Medical malpractice claims can cover a wide array of injuries. When a medical provider causes harm or makes someone sick either by action or inaction, the victim may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for different kinds of damages.

However, some victims choose not to actively pursue a malpractice claim, even when there is evidence to support one. Here are three of the reasons people don’t want to pursue lawsuits against medical providers.

1. A “Good Doctor”

Some patients don’t file suit because they believe their doctor is a good person. Perhaps there has been a long-term doctor-patient relationship. While the mistake led to harm, the patient would rather not make things worse by pursuing compensation. Patients using this reasoning may not consider that the doctor may have prior or concurrent claims for the same harm done to others. Holding a negligent provider accountable can protect others.

2. A Problem of Confidence

Some victims do not believe others will trust what they say, or perhaps they doubt the legal system, so they think the case will go nowhere. When a patient experiences a medical injury, there may be significant documentation to support their claim. Experienced attorneys and medical experts can help victims build a strong case against a negligent doctor.

3. Fear of Retribution

Perhaps one of the strangest reasons patients give for not wanting to take a doctor to court is a fear that they will be blacklisted in the medical community. This fear could prove tragic in cases concerning catastrophic injuries or mistakes in which a person needs ongoing medical care but would instead shoulder the burden unfairly.

If you or someone you know has suffered an illness or injury due to a medical mistake, consulting an attorney is the first step to recovering damages and finding closure.