3 Things Everyone Should Know About Medical Malpractice Cases

By Your Health Magazine

When people visit a doctor’s office, a hospital, or some other healthcare facility, the last thing they want is to suffer harm at the hands of the very people they go to for assistance.

However, patient harm stemming from the negligence of medical professionals happens far too often. Medical malpractice is a serious issue in the United States, affecting thousands of patients each year. The American Medical Association, meanwhile, reports that one in three clinicians are sued at least one time over the course of their career.

Depending on the source you consult, medical malpractice cases are successful around 20% of the time, suggesting that around 80% of cases are decided in favor of the medical professional being sued. You need a good lawyer in your corner given how difficult it can be to win a case.

Here are three things it’s essential to know about medical malpractice cases in the U.S.

1. Various Types of Medical Malpractice

When it comes to medical malpractice cases, it’s essential to know about the various types. The different kinds to know about are as follows:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: If a physician fails to correctly diagnose a condition, leading to improper or delayed treatment.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Performing a procedure without properly ensuring the patient knows the risks and alternatives so the patient can make an informed choice.
Surgical Errors: Errors during surgery like leaving surgical instruments inside a patient or performing the wrong surgery.
Medication Mistakes: Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage.
Birth Injuries: Harm caused to a mother or newborn because of negligence during childbirth.

If you’ve faced any of these unfortunate scenarios, your best bet is to contact a medical malpractice lawyer. Book a consultation so the legal professional can determine if you have a case and what the best course of action is.

2. Understand the Statute of Limitations

Medical malpractice cases are subject to statutes of limitations. So, if you suffer harm due to a doctor’s negligence or failure to administer a proper level of care, you don’t want to delay making a move.

Contacting a medical malpractice lawyer is the right move so that you can, firstly, find out if you have a case and, secondly, get help to file a claim.

The statute of limitations will vary depending on the state, so research to find out the lay of the land in your state. Medical malpractice cases are hard enough to win as it is, given the fact that you must prove there was a duty of care, breach of protocol, negligence, and damages due to the negligence. Neglecting to consider the statute of limitations can make things worse.

That’s one reason to prioritize hiring a reputable lawyer to help you through the process. The legal professional will ensure you don’t lose on the technicality of a statute of limitation violation.

3. Various Types of Compensation

A good medical malpractice lawyer will help you get the compensation you need. You may be able to get compensation for current and future medical expenses, lost salary and earnings potential, loss of quality of life, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Your lawyer might hire expert witnesses who can provide hard evidence concerning the types of compensation someone in your condition is entitled to. The issues can sometimes be difficult to understand, so an expert witness’ testimony can clarify things.

You can count on the professional to establish that the doctor’s actions were negligent and that a certain level of compensation is required.

Medical malpractice cases are challenging and require the expertise of a medical malpractice lawyer. If you have suffered due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, contact a lawyer to understand your rights and take the appropriate legal steps.