There may be nothing more difficult for a parent than watching their child suffer. When a child is ill or injured and requires medical care, a parent’s vigilance during and after treatment can be instrumental in the outcome. Here are seven guidelines for parents to help prevent oversights, errors, and carelessness in your child’s medical care.

  1. Document — always bring either a voice recorder or a notebook to medical appointments. Write down or record all instructions, recommendations and conjectures so you can refer back to them at a later time or compare with a second opinion.
  2. Take control — Always remember that you, the parent, are in control of your child’s treatment. Never allow a doctor to intimidate you into accepting a treatment or surgery you do not want for your child.
  3. Ask questions — Never leave an appointment until all of your questions have been answered. Come with a list of questions you prepared at home and insist on finishing your list.
  4. Get a second opinion — Even if you agree with most of your doctor’s opinions it is a good idea to seek out a second look. A good doctor is likely to agree to another opinion and even provide you with a respected colleague to consult with.
  5. Know everyone involved — if your child is receiving treatment or surgery, make direct contact with all the doctors, nurses, specialists or consultants involved. Make sure everyone on the case knows who else is involved as well.
  6. Educate yourself — learn about your child’s illness, injury or condition. Research the most updated treatment protocols and what outcome can be expected. The more you know, the more you know what to ask.
  7. Stay calm — you will not be able to advocate for you child if you’ve been evicted from the treatment room. Keep calm and quiet, saving your questions and concerns for the right moment.

Hospitals and medical centers are busy places, and information can get lost or jumbled. Human error can affect the treatment or quality of patient care, even when practitioners have the best of intentions. A parent can be instrumental in making sure their child receives the best care possible.

If you suspect your child has been injured or received inappropriate treatment, consult a medical malpractice attorney. Malpractice lawsuits ensure that doctors and nurses act with greater and attention. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at 561-665-1990 or contact us online to discuss how we can help you with your case so you get compensation for your injury.

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