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The failure to refer a patient to a specialist or other medical professional can result in devastating consequences – even fatalities – and the patient ( or the patient’s family, in cases of death) may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering that resulted from the harm that was sustained. If you or a loved one have come to harm because you did not receive proper medical care, please read on, then contact one of our experienced New York City medical malpractice attorneys to learn what you need to know about referrals to a specialist in New York City.

What is the point of referrals to a specialist in New York City?

Medical specialists generally do not see patients without current referrals, and being a previous patient of a medical specialist does not necessarily mean you can make ongoing appointments either. An effective referral system ensures the following:

  • Provides information about you and your condition so that the person you are being referred to does not have to ask so many questions
  • The specialist is aware of relevant background information and they know exactly what they are being asked to do
  • A close relationship between all levels of the health care system
  • Helps to ensure people receive the best possible care closest to home
  • Assists in making cost-effective use of hospitals and primary health care services.

What are the consequences of a failure to refer a patient to a specialist in New York City?

When a doctor fails to refer a patient to another, more knowledgeable doctor, some serious harm to the patient can potentially occur. A failure to refer can lead to a worsening condition or illness that may become irreversible, a misdiagnosis of a condition or illness due to a physician’s insufficient knowledge, and a delayed or missed diagnosis caused by the failure to refer the patient for a more comprehensive or conclusive diagnostic testing or lab work

How do you prove your medical malpractice case?

First, you will have to establish that you were, in fact, the doctor’s patient and that he or she, therefore, owed you a duty of care. From here, you will have to prove that the physician in question diverted from the accepted standard of care, breaching his or her duty of care, that your medical condition worsened, and that you suffered significant damages as a result. This is not always easy, which is why you need a skilled New York City personal injury attorney who has been helping victims of negligence for years.

Contact Our New York City Firm

If you have been injured in a New York City accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.

$10,500,000

To a man who was assaulted at a restaurant and sustained a traumatic brain injury.

$3,250,000

Settlement to a barista who slipped and fell on a defective stairwell while working for Starbucks who sustained back injuries requiring multiple surgeries in 2012.

$3,000,000

Settlement to a woman who was assaulted and sustained back/hip injuries in 2015.

$2,325,000

To a man who sustained back injuries when he was a passenger in the car that rear ended another car.

$1,415,000

Verdict to a high school student who was assaulted by a school dean during her lunch period dislocating her hip in 2014.

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