Expert Malpractice AttorneysExpert Malpractice Attorneys to Help Medical Negligence VictimsWith the State Liability Amendment Bill of 2018 proposing several changes to the State Liability Act of 1957, it is now more important than ever to seek guidance from expert malpractice attorneys if you believe that you have been a victim of medical negligence or malpractice at a state healthcare facility. News reports, such as the one by Ms Nokuthula G Khanyile from The Witness, published on 12 March 2019 online at News24, titled “Dying Baby Turned Away”, covering the story of a baby who died after the mother and her child were allegedly turned away from two state hospitals, are all too common. News reports range from topics, such as a grandmother chained to a bench in a hospital to maggots found in the mouth of a dying patient in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital. With more and more medical malpractice lawsuits related to such ill-treatment, substandard care, and incompetence at state hospitals, the situation has become dire. In an effort to curb the amounts to be paid out, a Bill has been proposed to limit lump-sum payments and to have amounts above R1 million paid over a period. In addition, the Bill proposes that the victims receive medical treatment at state hospitals. If they opt for treatment at private healthcare facilities, the Bill proposes the payment of costs to the limit, which would have been the case if they had received treatment at a state hospital. The Bill has been made available for public comment, and the proposed changes may or may not come into effect. If such changes come into effect, however, it will severely affect your ability to receive sufficient compensation for injury suffered as the result of substandard care or mistakes by personnel at state hospitals. It is recommended that you seek legal advice from expert malpractice attorneys about the implications of the Bill. If, however, you believe that you have been a victim of medical negligence and have suffered injury because of the actions or lack thereof by a private healthcare provider or personnel at a private hospital, the Bill will not affect your ability to seek sufficient compensation for injuries suffered. It is recommended that you first speak to expert malpractice attorneys who can help you determine the merits of your particular case before moving forward in claiming compensation. In preparation for the appointment at one of the attorneys, gather all payment receipts for medical expenses directly related to your injuries. List witnesses and their contact information, and keep all written communication with the medical professionals and medical aids. In addition, keep salary slips and records of all expenses incurred, directly related to the injuries sustained as the result of the negligence. The attorneys will also consult with medical experts to help determine the merits of the particular case. They will, furthermore, obtain your medical records and will handle the communication with the professionals or institutions in question. At present, you are entitled to compensation for past and future medical costs, past and future loss of earnings, loss of life amenities, and compensation for pain and suffering. Call the attorneys at Adele van der Walt Incorporated for expert legal advice and assistance if you believe that you have been a victim of medical malpractice. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Call on our attorneys for legal advice, rather than relying on the information herein to make any decisions. The information is relevant to the date of publishing – August 2019. |
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