Malpractice Lawsuit – What is it?
Generally, malpractice refers to some type of negligence from a professional. In medical malpractice cases, the negligence is on the part of a healthcare provider who has strayed from accepted standards of care and consequently caused a patient harm.
The law allows victims of medical negligence to file a malpractice lawsuit against the responsible party(s). A malpractice lawsuit provides a means by which victims can hold the negligent healthcare professional(s) accountable for damages such as:
Pain and suffering
Loss of a loved one
Loss of satisfaction of life
Permanent injury or disability
Lost wages
Medical treatment costs
Before a malpractice lawsuit can be filed, it must be found to have merit. A medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether you can proceed legally. You attorney will be looking for particular evidence where negligence took place and damages were endured because of it.
It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you suspect you have a malpractice lawsuit and they will evaluate your case at no charge. There are time restrictions, called statute of limitations, that you have to file a claim. The statute of limitations are different by state however is usually 1 to 3 years from the time of the incident or when it was reasonably discovered.
Do You Have a Malpractice Lawsuit?
The following represent some of the many types of negligence that may be grounds for a malpractice lawsuit:
Delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose – These errors are the most common types of medical mistakes, usually serious illnesses are involved such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots and meningitis
Surgical mistakes – Thousands of patients are injured by surgical mistakes every year. This could include medical instruments left in the body of the patient after surgery, removal of the wrong body part, or the wrong body part operated on.
Medication errors – With a minor mistake as an overdose, under-dose or giving the wrong drug can have deadly consequences.
Mistakes made during labor and delivery – Mother and baby are particularly vulnerable during this time and negligence can cause birth injuries including cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brain damage and stroke.
If you do not see what you have suffered listed here, it does not mean you don’t have a malpractice lawsuit. Malpractice can take many forms and can be committed by any medical professional including doctors, nurses and lab technicians. The best course of action for you is to talk with an attorney to determine if you have a valid claim.
Contact Us about Filing a Malpractice Lawsuit
Malpractice lawsuits are extremely complex, but the attorneys at our law firm have a long and successful track record of handling these types of cases. If you have a claim you need evaluated, contact us today. We are offering a free evaluation of your claim and we will gladly advise you of your legal options.
