Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers | Truitt Law Offices Blog

Whether you have a recent spinal cord injury or have been living with one for some time understanding your rights is important. The rights of medical patients are defined in a number of federal and state laws. The specifics may vary from state to state but most laws provide protection in some key areas:

Freedom of choice - You have the right to choose where you will receive care and who will provide that care. In the case of an emergency those decisions might be made for you if you’re unable to make decisions about treatment.

Prompt and adequate response - The medical facility and care providers must answer all reasonable requests within their ability to meet them.

Informed consent – So that you can consider all of your options, the physician and others coordinating your care must provide you with adequate information. In context, this means any information the care providers posses or reasonably should possess is available to you so that you can assess the risk and options to make informed decisions.

Your medical records - The law provides protections for confidentiality. You may have access to your own records but will likely have to pay for copies if you request them.

Information - Copies of any rules and regulations governing your care and the basic information about the physician and others coordinating your care is available to you.

Federal and state provisions are in place to help protect your rights as a patient. Knowing and exercising your rights is an important ingredient to help ensure you receive the best care possible and never suffer from neglect, oversight or abuse. The provisions listed here are just a few of those that exist to guarantee the quality of your care. Finding an attorney who specializes in safeguarding the rights of patients with spinal cord injury is also an essential step. If you live in the Indianapolis area and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the Truitt Law Offices.