If you are sick, injured, or in pain, you rely on medical professionals to help you. The expectation is that they will be well-trained and diligent about following established medical standards. Most medical professionals meet your expectations, provide the care you need, and leave you in better shape after treatment. However, even the very best doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers can have a bad day. The worst people in the profession may make many more mistakes, engage in reckless behavior, or even intentionally harm you.
If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, it is crucial to explore your potential legal remedies. In addition, you need to know the time limits for filing a claim and any restrictions on your right to compensation. A Joliet medical malpractice lawyer from La Justicia Legal could guide you through your rights and options. Reach out to our dedicated team today to begin working with a personal injury attorney who will work hard to obtain the best result possible on your behalf.
When a person begins to suspect medical malpractice, they are often still receiving care from the same healthcare professional or facility responsible for the harm. Determining what to do next can be confusing. The first step should be seeking immediate medical attention from a different provider. This new provider can address urgent health concerns and begin documenting any injuries or conditions resulting from the malpractice.
The next important step is consulting a lawyer. A Joliet medical malpractice attorney could help assess damages, negotiate fair settlements, connect victims with medical experts, and even assist in finding alternative healthcare providers if needed. They can also help victims with evidence collection, including obtaining medical records, receipts, and digital documentation such as electronic records, screenshots, and photos.
Medical malpractice occurs whenever a healthcare provider or facility fails to meet their duty of care, leading to patient injury. The duty of care is specific, not general, and depends on the provider and their relationship with the patient.
A non-exhaustive collection of types of medical malpractice includes:
Any avoidable outcome resulting from improper treatment, surgery, therapy, or failure to provide the correct care could be considered malpractice. A Joliet attorney could assist in determining whether an injury qualifies as medical malpractice.
Estimating a damage award requires knowing the nature and severity of the injuries. For most medical malpractice claims, the state limits recovery to compensatory damages, which include economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Depending on the injury, these damages could also include the cost of things like replacement services, modifications to homes or automobiles, and various types of therapy.
Non-economic damages—on the other hand—address intangible losses. Some examples of intangible losses are loss of consortium, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. The more severe or life-altering the injury, the higher the potential non-economic damages. A Joliet medical malpractice attorney could help someone determine what damages they could be eligible to receive.
Patients should be able to trust their healthcare providers. At the minimum, providers should deliver care that meets established medical standards. When those standards are not met, and harm is caused to you or a loved one, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Pursuing a medical malpractice claim is not just about compensation. It can also play an essential role in keeping people safe by exposing unsafe practices and protecting future patients from similar harm. To learn more about your options, consider scheduling a consultation with a Joliet medical malpractice lawyer.