Medical History and Its Relationship with Medical Malpractice

By January 6, 2025

Doctor and patient sitting and talking at medical examination at hospital officeMedical history is a cornerstone in the realm of medical malpractice, serving as the essential evidence that can determine the outcome of a case. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, resulting in patient harm, a detailed examination of the patient’s medical history becomes indispensable. Poissant, Nichols, Grue, Vanier & Babbie, P.C., a premier New York personal injury attorney firm, understands the importance of a thorough medical history. Our team of dedicated New York personal injury lawyers has extensive experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases. 

When Does a Failure to Consider Medical History Become Malpractice?

Not every oversight regarding medical history constitutes malpractice. However, if a healthcare professional fails to obtain or review your medical history in a way that falls below the expected standard of care and this omission directly contributes to your injury, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Here are some examples:

  • A doctor fails to ask about allergies and prescribes a medication that you are allergic to.
  • A dentist fails to review your medical history and performs a procedure that is contraindicated for someone with your pre-existing condition.
  • An emergency room physician overlooks a crucial detail in your medical records, leading to a delayed diagnosis and worsening of your condition.

The Foundation of a Malpractice Case

Comprehensive medical records offer a chronological account of a patient’s health, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. These records are vital in identifying deviations from standard medical practices that may indicate malpractice. According to the American Medical Association, accurate and complete medical documentation is crucial not only for patient care but also for legal proceedings. By meticulously reviewing a patient’s medical history, medical negligence lawyers can uncover inconsistencies, overlooked diagnosis, or improper treatments that have led to injury or worsened existing conditions.

For instance, in cases where a delayed diagnosis results in severe health complications, the patient’s medical history can reveal the timeline of symptoms, tests conducted, and treatments administered. This detailed account helps in demonstrating whether the healthcare provider met the expected standard of care or fell short.

Establishing the Standard of Care Through Medical History

In medical malpractice lawsuits, establishing the standard of care is fundamental. The standard of care refers to the level of competence and diligence expected from healthcare professionals under similar circumstances. Analyzing a patient’s medical history allows attorneys to compare the care received against established medical guidelines. For example, if a patient’s records indicate delayed diagnosis or incorrect medication, it may demonstrate a breach of the standard of care.

New York’s civil practice laws require that to prove malpractice, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm as a result. Detailed medical histories are essential in fulfilling these legal requirements by providing concrete evidence of the care (or lack thereof) provided by the healthcare professional.

Linking Negligence to Harm

Linking the healthcare provider’s negligence to the patient’s injuries necessitates clear evidence of causation. Medical history serves as the bridge connecting the alleged malpractice to the resulting damages. By tracing the sequence of medical events, Malone, NY personal injury lawyers can establish how a specific action or inaction directly caused harm. This connection is crucial for proving liability and determining the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

A study published in the Journal of Legal Medicine found that thorough medical record analysis significantly increases the likelihood of a successful malpractice claim. This emphasizes the importance of detailed medical histories in demonstrating that the negligence was not only present but also directly responsible for the client’s injuries.

Strengthen Your Case with Medical Analysis

Accurate documentation is paramount in medical malpractice cases. Poissant, Nichols, Grue, Vanier & Babbie, P.C. prioritizes the collection and preservation of comprehensive medical histories to fortify their clients’ cases. By working closely with medical experts and utilizing advanced record-keeping techniques, the firm ensures that all relevant information is captured and effectively presented. This meticulous attention to detail not only strengthens the case but also provides clients with the confidence that their legal representation is thorough and dedicated. Don’t let medical negligence disrupt your life any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team.

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