Atlanta Informed Consent Attorneys
Informed Consent & Medical Malpractice
When medical professionals make a mistake in the treatment of a patient, the result can be devastating and even deadly. Due to the serious nature of professional negligence, the pursuit of a medical malpractice claim is complex and costly. If you or an immediate family member is a victim of medical malpractice, it is advisable to retain the services of experienced legal counsel. The Georgia medical malpractice attorneys at Grant Law Office, have a proven record of success in permanent injury and death cases caused by medical negligence. The attorneys and staff are compassionate advocates for those injured by healthcare providers.
What Is Informed Consent?
You have a right to participate in decisions regarding a healthcare provider's treatment of your medical conditions and any recommended medical procedures. If a medical professional fails to give you adequate information with regard to a procedure or treatment, you cannot make an educated decision about whether the treatment or procedure is right for you. If you sustain injury in the course of that treatment or procedure without receipt of the process of informed consent, you may have a medical malpractice case.
The legal term, "implied consent," means that you have demonstrated the appropriate level of understanding before consenting to proceed with a treatment or medical procedure. Standard procedures like taking blood pressure or listening to your heart with a stethoscope do not necessitate the full informed consent process; a nod of your head or verbal consent generally suffices. However, depending upon the seriousness of a medical condition and proposed remedy, most states require written acknowledgement as to your consent.
The Elements of Informed Consent in Georgia
Informed consent is a process, beyond just your signature on a form. The process includes the following:
- An explanation of the proposed treatment or procedure in laypersons' terms
- An explanation as to why the treatment or procedure is necessary
- An explanation of all potential benefits and risks of the treatment or procedure
- An explanation of the expected outcome of the treatment or procedure, including healing time and any necessary post-treatment
- Information on other options, including refusal of treatment, and the risks and benefits of other options
- The opportunity for you to ask questions and to get answers that you easily comprehend
- The opportunity for you to discuss the treatment options with your family or get a second opinion, if you so desire
A healthcare professional breaches his or her legal obligation and medical ethics if the process of informed consent is not availed to you in full.
Get the Legal Help You Need - Call a Atlanta Informed Consent Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you entrusted your healthcare to a medical provider and sustained serious injuries, or if a family member died after treatment or a procedure, and the medical provider did not go through the process of implied consent, please feel free to call Grant Law Office, to schedule a consultation. We will explain your legal rights and advise you of options for legal recourse. Contact us today at (866) 249-5513 or (404) 995-3955.
