Most healthcare providers strive to deliver their patients the highest standard of care. However, mistakes can happen, and some providers fail to meet this standard. In rare cases, their actions may be reckless or even intentionally harmful. When this occurs, it is crucial to hold those healthcare professionals and institutions accountable for the harm they cause.
Understanding your legal options is vital if you have been injured due to medical malpractice. This includes knowing the remedies available to you, the time limits for filing a claim, and any potential restrictions on your recovery. A West Lawn medical malpractice lawyer from La Justicia Legal could guide you through this process, helping you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call today to begin working with a skilled personal injury attorney.
Anytime a healthcare provider or healthcare facility fails to live up to their duty of care, resulting in an injury to the patient, it is medical malpractice. The duty depends on the healthcare provider and their relationship to the patient. For example, specialists typically owe a higher duty of care to their patients within their area of expertise than general practitioners. Similarly, a healthcare provider with general knowledge who misrepresents themselves as a specialist could be held liable for malpractice if their actions or advice fail to meet the expected standard of care for that specialty.
Some examples of medical malpractice include:
An avoidable outcome that results from treatment, surgery, or therapy—or the failure to provide the appropriate treatment, surgery, or therapy—could qualify. A West Lawn attorney could help people assess whether an injury is the result of medical malpractice.
Patients who experience injuries from medical malpractice often feel vulnerable and confused. They may even still be under treatment by the doctor, facility, or healthcare worker who committed the malpractice.
As soon as a person suspects negligence, they must seek immediate medical attention from another provider. The other provider can begin treatment to help with immediate health concerns. Plus, starting treatment helps document any injuries or illnesses that result from the malpractice.
It is also important to document everything. A patient should get all of their medical records and receipts. In a world with an increasing reliance on technology, getting all of the documentation can include compiling copies of electronic records, including screengrabs and other photos.
A West Lawn medical malpractice attorney could help injured people determine their damages, negotiate a reasonable settlement amount, connect with medical experts, and possibly even find alternate care providers.
Determining the correct amount of compensation involves assessing a person’s damages from the claim. An injured person must think about their financial and intangible losses to do so.
Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and more. Depending on the extent of the injury, economic damages could also include the cost of replacement services. For example, if an injury leaves someone unable to do something they once did—like housework or childcare—hiring someone to handle those tasks could be considered economic damage.
Intangible, non-economic damages compensate people for non-financial harm. Things like loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish all fall into this category. The more severe or life-altering an injury, the greater the non-economic damages are likely to be.
A medical malpractice attorney in West Lawn could provide guidance with calculating damages.
Patients should be able to rely on their healthcare providers for quality care that meets all relevant medical standards. When it does not, and the failure to meet those standards results in harm to you or a loved one, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. However, compensation is not the only reason to consider bringing a medical malpractice claim. These claims can help shed light on bad practices and protect future patients from harm.
To explore your potential remedies, schedule a consultation with a West Lawn medical malpractice lawyer.