If you or a loved one has suffered unexpected harm while under medical care, you might be left with a confusing mix of pain, anger, and a sense of betrayal. Was this unavoidable, or was it the result of medical malpractice?
Understanding Medical Negligence
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider – a doctor, hospital, nurse, or other licensed professional – deviates from accepted standards of care and causes a patient injury or even death. It’s the medical equivalent of a driver ignoring stop signs and causing a devastating accident.
Examples of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice hides in plain sight. It can include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: A failure to correctly identify a disease or injury, leading to improper treatment and worsening conditions.
- Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery such as leaving instruments inside the body or operating on the wrong body part.
- Medication errors: Wrong prescriptions, incorrect dosage, or dangerous drug interactions.
- Anesthesia errors: Improper anesthesia administration leading to complications or awareness during surgery.
- Neglect in hospitals or nursing homes: Patient falls, the development of bedsores (pressure ulcers), and other harms due to insufficient care.
What To Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
The pain and anguish of medical malpractice can be overwhelming. If you believe you might have a case, these steps are critical:
- Seek alternative care: If possible, get a second opinion or treatment from a different medical provider to address any immediate health concerns resulting from the suspected malpractice.
- Gather evidence: Collect medical records, bills, medication lists, and any notes or communications related to the incident.
- Seek legal advice immediately: Medical malpractice cases have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations). Don’t wait. Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to review your case and guide your next steps.
You’re Not Alone – We Can Help
At Powless Law Firm, we understand that medical malpractice shatters lives. We’re committed to relentlessly fighting for your right to justice and compensation. If you suspect medical malpractice, don’t hesitate. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
FAQ #1: How do I know if I have a valid medical malpractice case?
Not every negative medical outcome is malpractice. To have a valid case, you generally need to prove that your healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care and that this deviation caused you significant harm. A medical malpractice attorney can help determine if your situation meets this standard.
FAQ #2: How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit?
Strict deadlines called “statutes of limitations” apply to medical malpractice cases. These deadlines vary by state, and the clock may start ticking from the date of the incident or the date you discovered the potential malpractice. It’s crucial to consult an attorney quickly to avoid losing your right to sue.
FAQ #3: What kind of compensation can I receive in a medial malpractice case?
If you have a successful medical malpractice claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future) related to the malpractice
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- In cases of wrongful death, compensation may be available for the family of the victim
Jeff Powless is an attorney and the author of the 2017 book, Abuses and Excuses: How To Hold Bad Nursing Homes Accountable. Abuses and Excuses breaks new ground in helping patients and families hold bad nursing homes accountable, sharing a wealth of insider strategies and insights. It’s an eye-opening account of corporate greed, acts of neglect and abuse, an insidious industry culture of cover-up, and the actual harm that inevitably befalls vulnerable nursing home patients all across the country with shocking frequency.