How to Report a Doctor's Negligence

Dealing with a doctor whom you believe has been negligent can be an angering and upsetting situation. Doctors can be negligent in many ways, including prescribing medications to which you are allergic, giving you incorrect advice or even botching a surgical procedure. When you believe a doctor has been negligent, there are several ways to report the situation, whether you are seeking a legal remedy or you simply want to prevent someone else from going through the same thing.

Things You'll Need

• Documentation

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain your medical records from the hospital or doctor's office. Patients have the right to access their medical records and to receive copies. Do this before you make any complaint so that you can make sure that the office does not attempt to cover anything up. Tell the office that you want the complete records, including any tests done, doctor's notes and anything else associated with your file.

• 2

  Contact a medical malpractice attorney if you feel that legal action is necessary. Make sure that the lawyer specializes in medical malpractice, as you will need someone who is skilled in handling these situations. Whether or not you end up suing the doctor, the lawyer can advise you on how to proceed.

• 3

  Speak to the doctor's superior. If the doctor works at a large clinic or a hospital, there is likely someone on staff who is charged with handling complaints of negligence or malpractice. You will likely need to show documentation or proof of the negligence you are alleging.

• 4

  Contact the American Medical Association, your insurance provider and the state licensing board if you do not think that the hospital or doctor's office gave you an appropriate response.