Understanding Medical Malpractice

An injury that was attributed to medical malpractice can have a profound impact on the victim. Injuries from a medical malpractice case can be traumatizing, resulting in serious injuries that may include pain, permanent physical damages, and psychological trauma. No person should be left to face such a traumatic experience alone. It’s only natural that victims of medical malpractice will be left with several questions during this complicated time. For help, contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to provide you with the guidance you deserve. 

What is medical malpractice?

When a patient is injured due to the negligent actions of a hospital or medical provider, medical malpractice may have been present. Such situations can occur when a patient is misdiagnosed, errors in treatment are made, poor aftercare, or lab results are misread. Your medical malpractice lawyer will review your case to see if the following were present:

  1. A duty of care was owed to the patient
  2. There was a breach in the duty of care that was owed to the patient
  3. The breach resulted in harm to the patient
  4. The patient experienced damages as a result of medical malpractice

What are the common types of medical malpractice cases?

There are a wide range of medical situations that may call for a victim to consider taking legal action. Common types of medical malpractice cases that may require the guidance of a lawyer include:

  • Failure to treat
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Surgical mistakes
  • Errors with anesthesia
  • Birth injuries
  • Product liability cases

Do all medical malpractice cases go to trial?

No. It’s important to know that many medical malpractice cases actually settle out of court. There are several reasons that both sides may be motivated to avoid trial. For the plaintiff, taking a case to court can not only be time consuming, but may also be risky. The defendant may wish to settle out of court to avoid further exposure and a verdict that results in a larger payout. A medical malpractice lawyer can play a crucial role in negotiating a favorable settlement or determining whether pursuing a trial is in your best interest. 

How will an expert witness help if my case goes to trial?

When pursuing a medical malpractice case, an expert witness can play a critical role. This is because the details of your case can be incredibly complicated. The guidance of a medical expert can help to decipher the medical details of the case to determine if the key elements are present to pursue a medical malpractice case. 

Why should I contact a medical malpractice lawyer?

It’s essential to at least consult with a medical malpractice lawyer if you believe that your doctor did not uphold their duty of care to you. Sometimes a mistake may not be evident to you. After reviewing your case, a medical malpractice lawyer can help to sort out how best to move forward with your case. 

The complicated nature of a medical malpractice case calls for the guidance of a medical malpractice lawyer. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner can help to protect your rights in the wake of an accident that occurred at the hands of a medical professional, hospital, or doctor. For the help that you deserve, contact a medical malpractice attorney to schedule your consultation today.