By law, doctors must educate their patients about the effects of medical treatments. If you or a loved one has suffered sickness or serious injury because a doctor withheld information from you, contact a Louisville medication error attorney.
Informed Consent
Legally and medically, the term “informed consent” describes when a physician obtains permission from a patient to proceed with treatment after informing them of the risks involved. It is the doctor’s responsibility to ensure the patient understands the full extent of possible adverse effects, failing to do so may be grounds for medical malpractice.
A medical practitioner must share knowledge with the patient, including:
- the patient’s diagnosis;
- the purpose of the treatment;
- the benefits and risks involved;
- alternatives and other treatment options, regardless of the cost to the patient; and
- the benefits and risks of forgoing the proposed treatment.
When determining whether the physician satisfied the requirements of informed consent, the courts will evaluate whether the majority of medical professionals would have disclosed the omitted details and whether the patient would have changed their decision to proceed with treatment had they known the full risk.
It is important to note that informed consent is not required in emergency situations – when there is not time to outline risks – and with emotionally fragile patients that may refuse treatment due to psychological distress.
Help from a Louisville Medication Error Attorney
The best way to combat unethical medical practitioners is to empower yourself with information about your own health care treatment options. In cases where a medication error has led to sickness, injury, or death, the Gray & White law firm’s team of attorneys will investigate your case and prepare a claim against the hospital, doctor, or pharmacy in Kentucky. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case – 888-450-4456 or 502-210- 8942.