Help for Patients and Families
After a serious injury or unexpected death, it can be hard to know where to begin. The articles below explain steps patients and families can take to seek answers and make informed decisions, one step at a time. Hospital Watchdog provides this information for educational purposes. It is not medical or legal advice; decisions about your care or legal rights should be discussed with qualified professionals.
What to Do First After Serious Medical Harm or an Unexpected Death
When a patient is seriously injured—or dies unexpectedly—during or after
Is the Patient Still in Danger?
When a patient’s condition worsens, the priority is preventing further
How To Obtain the Complete Medical Records
After a serious medical injury or unexpected death, request the
Q: When Should One Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney? A: Don’t Wait
As soon as you have serious concerns that preventable medical
Medical Harm Timeline & Record Organizer
A simple fillable form to help patients and families organize important details about a serious hospital event and keep a clear record of what happened for attorneys & others.
After Medical Harm: How Did the Hospital Treat You and Your Family?
What Did the Patient’s Doctor or Other Hospital Staff Tell