Some families who lose a loved one while they are receiving medical care are curious if negligence or a medical error contributed to the deceased’s death. In these cases, it’s common for the next of kin to order a medical record review, which can be completed by a forensic pathologist like Dr. Chundru. This process allows Dr. Chundru to review all medical records related to your family member’s care, which he analyzes to determine if negligence or a medical error occurred.
After receiving the report, you may be wondering what your next steps are. Continue reading to learn more.
Interpreting the Results
Understanding the findings of this report can be intimidating and emotional. First, the content is about an extremely sensitive topic – the passing of your loved one. Second, these documents have so much medical and scientific language that if you don’t work in those fields you may feel like you need someone to translate the terminology used in the document for you.
When you choose Dr. Chundru for this process following the death of a family member, he works diligently to provide a thorough review of the medical information, while stating it appropriately in the document with 3 potential audiences in mind:
- You, the next of kin who ordered the report and wants to understand in layman terms what circumstances caused your loved one’s death, and if there was an act of negligence or medical error that contributed to his or her passing
- Legal professionals who, if negligence or medical error was at play, may be reviewing or making legal arguments based on the document in a medical malpractice lawsuit
- Other medical professionals, who, if a lawsuit is filed, may review the document on behalf of either you the plaintiff, or the defendant, and testify based on its content
Because a medical record review is likely to be read by legal and medical professionals, it needs to contain appropriate language and terminology. Dr. Chundru understands, though, that these medical and legal terms can be difficult to understand, especially while you’re grieving. This is why he works with his clients to not only provide the document needed to pursue legal action, if applicable but also explain those complex terms to you in a way you can easily understand.
Seeking Legal Assistance if Negligence or a Medical Error Took Place
If Dr. Chundru’s medical record review indicates that your family member’s passing was the result of a medical professional’s negligence or error, your next step is to contact an attorney in your city or state who specializes in medical malpractice lawsuits. The document Dr. Chundru created can then be submitted as evidence in your lawsuit.
Working With a Forensic Pathologist
To order a medical record review, the next of kin or medical power of attorney will need to fill out paperwork to authorize the process and give forensic pathologist Dr. Chundru access to the deceased’s medical records, which are protected due to a federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This important law, which protects American’s private health information, also prevents anyone but the next of kin or medical power of attorney from giving Dr. Chundru legal access to the documents he needs to review in order to make his report.
To learn more about how you can work with Dr. Chundru and the legal steps you need to take to authorize a medical record review, call his practice at (512) 240-1060.
