Doctor Misrepresentation / Failure to Inform of Potential Complications
The process in which a doctor gets a person’s permission to perform a medical procedure is called informed consent. This involves the patient being supplied with the information necessary to make a voluntary decision to accept or decline the procedure.
When a patient sustains serious injuries or dies because of a lack of knowledge about potential risks of a medical procedure, then that person or his or her family may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the negligent doctor or physician. It is important for anybody who has been the victim of doctor misrepresentation or lost a loved one because of a failure to inform of potential complications to immediately seek the legal assistance of an experienced attorney.
Atlanta Doctor Misrepresentation Lawyer
If you suffered catastrophic injuries or your loved one died because a doctor failed in his or her duty to disclose the risks of a medical procedure, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial considerations. ReShea Balams helps medical malpractice victims and families all over the greater Atlanta area.
The Balams Firm serves such areas as Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta, Smyrna, Dunwoody, East Point, Milton, Lawrenceville, Duluth, Decatur, Forest Park, Norcross, Riverdale, and College Park. You can receive a complete evaluation of your case when you call (404) 445-2005 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.
Georgia Doctor Misrepresentation Information Center
- What is involved in informed consent?
- How might a patient be harmed if he or she is not fully informed of possible complications?
- Are there any circumstances in which a doctor is not required to disclose possible consequences?
Informed Consent Requirements
When a patient consents to a medical procedure, he or she needs to understand the information that is provided and make his or her decision without any undue influence. Hospitals frequently have a patient sign several forms indicating that he or she fully understands all possible implications of undergoing the medical procedure.
The information that is typically required to be communicated to the patient includes:
- The medical condition
- Results of any medical tests
- Purpose of the medical procedure
- All medications administered in connection with procedure
- Name of the doctor or physician performing the procedure
- Risks and benefits of having the procedure and not having the procedure
- Success rate of procedure
- Cost of procedure
- Risks and benefits of any possible alternative treatments
- Expected recovery time following procedure
Examples of Failure to Inform Consequences
When a doctor or physician fails to fully inform a patient of the possible complications of a medical procedure, the results may be devastating. People seeking treatment for one type of medical condition may suffer a completely different ailment that requires additional medical attention.
People may have valid medical malpractice claims when a doctor misrepresentation involves any of the following failures to inform:
- Side-effects of medication or prescription drugs
- Physical injuries as a result of having or not having medical procedure
- Possible defects associated with medical products used in medical procedure
Exceptions to Doctor’s Duty to Disclose
There can be certain situations in which doctors or physicians are not required to provide patients with information before a medical procedure or get the informed consent of patients. A few examples of such situations include:
- Emergencies in which patient may be unconscious
- Routine procedures
- Patients lacking decision-making capacity
- Patients waive consent
- Guardian or other legal representative for patient consents to medical procedure on his or her behalf
The Balams Firm | A Doctor Misrepresentation Lawyer in the Atlanta Area
Did your doctor fail to fully inform you of the possible complications associated with surgery or another medical procedure? ReShea Balams may be able to help you obtain medical compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any lost wages that resulted from the negligence.
The Balams Firm represents clients throughout the Atlanta area as well as residents of Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, and Clayton County. Call (404) 445-2005 right now to let our firm review your case and evaluate your legal options during a free consultation.
