Did Your Doctor Fail to Inform You of the Risks?
In the state of Pennsylvania, your doctor or other medical professional is required to inform you about the possible risks of a surgery or anesthetic procedure performed on your body. You need to understand the purpose of the procedure and its potential consequences. Additionally, you must provide your consent before the procedure is performed.
If you were injured during surgery or from anesthesia without giving your informed consent or without being informed of all of the foreseeable risks associated with the procedure, you may have a claim of medical malpractice. At the law firm of Hill & Associates, P.C., in Philadelphia, our experienced lawyers can assist you in filing your claim against those who are responsible for your injuries.
Learn more about your rights under the law and whether you may have an informed consent claim. Contact us at Hill & Associates for a free initial consultation.
Educating Patients About Their Medical Procedures
When medical professionals are negligent or careless in providing medical care, that conduct can result in serious injuries for patients, and the professionals may be liable for malpractice. A medical professional may also be liable for failing to obtain a patient's informed consent. At the least, informed consent typically means that patients should be informed of:
- The nature of the treatment or procedure that will be performed
- Risks of the procedure
- Risks of forgoing the procedure
- Any alternatives to the treatment or procedure
Sometimes doctors provide consent forms for patients to sign and other times consent is simply provided orally. Not obtaining consent, however, and not informing patients is unacceptable. Parents or guardians must provide consent for the treatment of a child.
The only exceptions to the implied consent rule are when an unconscious patient is unable to consent, or there is an emergency situation involving a child, and no family member is available to give consent to treatment.
Understand Your Rights and Pennsylvania Malpractice Laws
The laws regarding informed consent in Pennsylvania and the standards that apply are unique. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options for recovery. If you believe that you have an informed consent claim, contact us at Hill & Associates, as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation and case assessment. Call toll free at 866-720-4699.
