• Defective medical devices: Stents, artificial hearts and so-called life-saving medical devices are sometimes passed through the FDA before every possible use and situation has been tested. If you fear that a device you are using (or one that was implanted in your body) may be on a list of recalled items, talk to an attorney to determine your rights.

• Misdiagnosis: You depend on the knowledge and opinions of your healthcare providers. If you or a loved one has suffered undue physical or emotional stress due to an illness that physicians did not diagnosis in time or diagnosed incorrectly, you should consult with an attorney.

• Poor choice of prescription medication: Prescription medications are designed to help your body fight off or heal from specific conditions or illnesses. But the same drug that can help you in one instance could be dangerous if used in a different instance or in combination with certain other medications. If you’ve had a bad reaction to a medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, first consult with your doctor. If the situation gets worse or fails to improve, call an attorney for further guidance.

• Unnecessary or flawed surgery: Medical providers often describe their profession as part craft and part art. In other words, no matter how much time physicians spend in school or reading books, surgery is rarely an exact science. Even the most basic medical procedure can encounter problems. If you fear that something was done incorrectly in the operating room, first consult with your physician. If the situation remains unchanged, it’s time to call an attorney.