I Received A Disclosure Of Adverse Event Letter. What Do I Do Now?

Receiving a Disclosure of Adverse Event letter from a hospital can be an alarming and confusing experience. These letters inform patients or their families about an unexpected incident during medical treatment that resulted in harm or had the potential to cause harm. Hospitals are required to disclose adverse events under patient safety laws and ethical guidelines.

If you’ve received such a letter, it’s essential to understand what it means, what steps you should take, and how to protect your rights.

What Is An Adverse Event Disclosure Letter?

An adverse event is an unintended medical error or complication during healthcare treatment. Hospitals send disclosure letters to inform patients about the incident, explain what happened, and outline any next steps.

What Is Included In The Letter?

A disclosure letter typically contains:

• A description of the adverse event.
• An explanation of how and why it happened (if known).
• Steps the hospital is taking to address the issue.
• Information about any follow-up medical care needed.
• A contact person at the hospital should be available for further questions.

Why Are These Letters Sent?

Hospitals issue disclosure letters for several reasons:

• Ethical responsibility: Transparency in healthcare fosters trust.
• Legal compliance: Some states and hospital policies require disclosure of medical errors.
• Risk management: Hospitals may want to prevent future legal action by addressing concerns proactively.

While the letter itself does not indicate an admission of liability, it serves as an important piece of information that should not be ignored.

Steps To Take After Receiving The Letter

If you’ve received a disclosure letter from a hospital, you may not know what you should do. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Stay Calm And Review The Letter Carefully

Receiving an adverse event disclosure can be distressing, but remaining calm is crucial. Read the letter carefully and make note of key details, including:

• The nature of the adverse event.
• The date and time of the incident.
• Any corrective measures the hospital has taken.

The important thing is not to panic. You can take action by enlisting the help of a hospital malpractice lawyer to help you with how to proceed.

2. Request Medical Records

To fully understand the incident, obtain copies of your medical records from the hospital. These records should include:

• Admission and discharge summaries.
• Treatment and procedure notes.
• Medication administration logs.
• Any test results or imaging reports related to the incident.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows you to access your medical records.

3. Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Speaking with a medical malpractice attorney is advisable if you suspect medical malpractice played a role in the adverse event. They can:

• Review the disclosure letter and medical records.
• Determine if you have valid grounds for a legal claim.
• Advise you on steps to preserve your rights.

Hospitals may attempt to minimize liability, so having legal counsel protects your interests.

4. Monitor Your Health For Any Long-Term Effects

Sometimes, it takes a while for health consequences due to adverse events to become apparent. Continue monitoring your condition and report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. If you have to have additional medical treatment due to the incident, be sure to document all expenses and treatment details.

5. Consider Filing a Complaint with a Medical Board

If you believe the hospital or a specific healthcare provider acted negligently, you may file a complaint with:

• Your state’s medical licensing board.
• The Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals.
• Your state’s health department.

Filing a complaint can trigger an investigation and help prevent similar incidents from happening to others in the future.

What Are Your Legal Rights?

While not every adverse event results from medical malpractice, many cases do. A malpractice claim requires proving:

• Duty of Care – The hospital or doctor had a duty to provide competent medical treatment.
• Breach of Duty – A mistake or error violated that duty.
• Causation – The error directly caused harm.
• Damages – You suffered injury, financial loss, or emotional distress.

If negligence is proven, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering resulting from physical and/or emotional distress
• Punitive damages in cases of severe negligence

Let Ross Feller Casey Help With Your Medical Malpractice Claim

Receiving a Disclosure of Adverse Event letter from a hospital is serious, and you’re right to be concerned. While these letters aim to provide transparency, they do not always disclose the full extent of the harm caused. By taking proactive steps and consulting with a medical malpractice lawyer, you can explore your options for justice while protecting your rights.

If you think medical malpractice played a role in your injuries, contact Ross Feller Casey. We help clients with catastrophic injuries caused by medical malpractice get the justice and the compensation they deserve. Hospitals have legal teams protecting their interests — you should have someone advocating for yours.

Contact us today to discuss your case. The consultation is free, and we don’t charge you a cent until we win your case.