WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM:

1. Seek legal advice as soon as you suspect you or a family member might be the victim of medical malpractice.

2. If death resulted from the suspected medical malpractice, request that an autopsy be done either by the coroner's office or by an outside pathologist.

3. Insist on certified copies of all medical records - including charges.

4. Write a diary or ledger with notations on everything the doctor, medical facility, and staff told you or instructed you to do.

5. Keep an accurate chronological record of when you first sought treatment, the names of any specialists you were referred to, outpatient care, etc.

6. Seek a second opinion from a qualified doctor, but do not share your suspicions of malpractice with the second doctor.

7. Cease receiving care from the source that you suspect might be committing the malpractice against you, unless that provider is in the midst of a complex treatment and it would be inappropriate or detrimental to make an immediate change.

8. Seek the advice and representation of an attorney who concentrates his/her practice in the area of medical malpractice, as very few attorneys are competent to handle these cases.

WHAT NOT TO DO IN CASE OF A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM:

1. Don't attempt to confront the doctor(s), medical staff, lawyers for the medical facility, or anyone else regarding your suspicions until you've spoken with your attorney.

2. Don't sign anything, waive any rights, or admit to any responsibility.

3. Don't discuss your suspicions with any other person outside of your immediate family and your attorney.

4. Don't continue to receive treatment from doctors or medical institutions that you suspect are perpetrating malpractice against you.

5. Don't tell medical personnel that you need medical records to bring to an attorney. Instead, tell them that you need the records for insurance purposes, social security purposes, or in order to receive treatment for a different medical condition.