Talking to Your Doctor About Your Stillbirth

In the immediate aftermath of a stillbirth, it is difficult to focus on questions you have for your doctor. When you get an opportunity for a follow-up visit with your physician, it is a good idea to consider the topics you want to cover. Not only will the information help you come to terms with your experience, but it will also help you understand if medical malpractice could have played a role in the events. As you prepare for a conversation with your doctor, keep these tips in mind.

Make a List

Avoid having a conversation with your doctor without a plan. During your appointment, it’s natural to become emotional or to become sidetracked with discussing one part of the experience, so you could leave without getting the information you really want. Make a list of questions you want to ask and topics you need to address before your appointment, and consult it frequently during your conversation. When possible, bring your partner with you to help cover all of the concerns you have. Your partner can make his or her own list, or you can collaborate on coming up with questions together.

Take Notes

You’re likely to receive a great deal of information at once when you discuss your stillbirth with your doctor. Take careful notes during your consultation, rather than relying on your memory. These notes will help you clarify things and may highlight issues you need to explore further.

Get Help When You Need It

If you have concerns about medical negligence, talk to a medical malpractice lawyer about your case. Don’t directly confront your doctor about your concerns, but instead allow an experienced medical malpractice attorney investigate the case for you and determine if medical errors played a role in your stillbirth experience. Your lawyer can also help you understand what kind of compensation you may be eligible to seek.

After a stillbirth, let Pegalis & Erickson, LLC explore your claims of medical malpractice on Long Island, NY, and help you get the answers you deserve. Get a free consultation with an experienced attorney today by calling (516) 684-2900.