Whether in Hawaii or another state, it is understandably upsetting when a medical patient suffers due to doctor negligence. In worst cases, a doctor’s mistakes may result in the death of a negligence victim. However, situations less grave may still lead to severe injuries that have long-lasting negative impacts on the lives of injured patients and their families. Recent data suggests that some doctors have failed to disclose appropriate information regarding medical errors.
Reportedly, at least 60 surgeons recently participated in an online survey that asked questions regarding whether they follow national guidelines to fully disclose their errors to patients and their families. Apparently, a majority of participants said they only adhere to about five out of eight recommended guidelines. In fact, only approximately half of the surgeons who took the survey said they ever apologized to injured patients and their families or discussed whether they may have been able to prevent their errors.
One doctor stated that it is typically very difficult to discuss such matters. He said there seems to be a code of secrecy among doctors that keeps them from fully disclosing details related to serious injury situations. He also added, however, that every patient has the right to know about any doctor error or unplanned event where things did not go according to plan during medical treatment or surgery.
Some say immediate and full transparency on the part of surgeons and other medical staff is crucial toward maintaining the highest levels of patient safety standards. If a medical patient in Hawaii has suffered injury because of a doctor’s mistakes, that person is able to file a personal injury claim in a civil court to seek full recovery of losses associated with the incident. It is typically best to act alongside experienced legal counsel in such circumstances.
Source: CBS, “Would a surgeon tell you if a medical error occurred during your operation?“, Mary Brophy Marcus, July 20, 2016