Most physicians wash their hands after seeing a patient – just because it wasn’t personally witnessed, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Many sinks and alcohol-based cleansers are outside of the patient’s view in many hospitals. This lawyer urges everyone to speak up:

The law can do only so much to address the wrongdoing. Proving causation is often extremely challenging, and few relish the prospect of suing a doctor (despite myths to the contrary that drive tort “reform” proposals).

Finally, and most importantly, a malpractice lawsuit means that the damage is already done. For the plaintiff, it is usually too late.

Therefore, no matter how timid you might feel when the doctor walks into the room where you have been patiently waiting, remember that he is there to help you. If you do not see your doctor wash his hands, then be sure to say something. You then make it clear that even if the doctors have forgotten the germ theory of disease that is the foundation of modern medicine, you and your loved ones have not.