You want to trust your doctors, especially when you go through something as difficult and joyous as pregnancy. However, medical malpractice can happen to anyone, and it can happen even when you visit a doctor with a stellar record. Everyone makes mistakes. However, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences for someone else’s mistakes, particularly if those mistakes impact your health.

But before you file a malpractice suit, keep the concepts below in mind. They may bring you a better outcome after the case.

Keep Records of Everything that Transpires During the Pregnancy

When you file a malpractice suit, you will have to prove that one actually occurred, so you must have proof of every action that transpired during your pregnancy. Keep and organize records from every checkup and visit.

If you do not have access to those records currently, see if you can’t retrieve them from the hospital. And if the doctor or hospital won’t give them to you, talk to a legal counselor to see what you can do about the situation.

Take Someone with You Every Time You See the Doctor—Have Witnesses

Paper records represent only one way of proving medical malpractice occurred. You can also support your claim if you have witnesses. Take a family member or friend with you every time you visit your doctor. With this strategy, you have another voice to back you up when you take your suit to court.

Take Stock of the Injuries—Emotional and Physical—You Have Endured

During pregnancy, you can sustain a variety of different injuries, including an injury to the mother, an injury to the infant, and emotional injury to both parents. You can win compensation for all three as long as evidence proves they occurred due to medical malpractice. Write down each injury that occurred and find the evidence to prove it.

Hire a Lawyer to Help You

Even if you have all the evidence in the world, your malpractice suit might not succeed if you don’t have legal guidance. Hire a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice, so you know what curveballs to anticipate and what roadblocks to prepare for. You’ll also have someone to present the evidence for you so it makes the most sense. You’ll convince the court better that way.

Be Mindful of Your Health

A lawyer also helps you in another way—he or she allows you to stay at home and rest while he or she takes care of the legal details. You need to rest and recover your strength so that you and the baby stay healthy. Let someone experienced take care of building your case for you.

A malpractice suit helps you win the financial and legal restitution you deserve. But you definitely shouldn’t go into this situation blind. Use the concepts above to ensure your case goes smoothly.