What Is a Medical Malpractice Claim?

A medical malpractice case is brought by the patient who complains about the negligence of a healthcare worker. The patient (or the estate of the patient should the patient die) must show that the negligence resulted in injury or harm.

In general, lawsuits claiming medical negligence are filed in state trial court. To win a lawsuit, the aggrieved party has to prove four elements of law:

Duty of care

In any legal case, the plaintiff has to show that another person or entity had a responsibility to them under a duty of care and then did not fulfill that duty. In the case of medical negligence, it is the responsibility of doctors to provide the highest quality of care to their patients. Expert testimony is typically used to establish this.

Expert witnesses help to determine the appropriate medical standards and then prove that a physician deviated from these standards in their treatment of the patient. A medical malpractice lawyer for a plaintiff must then show that this error was directly responsible for the victim's injuries.

Expert testimony is crucial since jurors are often unfamiliar with anatomy and watched a number of medical dramas. This is especially relevant in medical malpractice claims as it isn't easy to establish a standard of care. In the context of a medical malpractice claim, the standard of care is referred to the degree of skill as well as the quality of treatment and the degree of diligence shown by other physicians in similar specialties in similar situations.

Experts in medical malpractice cases are usually surgeons or doctors who have similar training and accreditation. It can be difficult to find an expert who is willing to testify against substandard treatment because of the "conspiracy" of silence among doctors.

Breach of duty

Medical malpractice occurs when a physician makes a mistake that hurts the patient. The mistakes could cause new injuries or make preexisting ones worse. Medical malpractice claims are challenging to prove because they involve complicated laws and concerns. However, a reputable medical malpractice lawyer will review the facts of your case to determine if the doctor has breached his or her obligation to the patient.

Your attorney will establish the relationship was between a doctor and patient you and your physician, which is essential for any malpractice claim. Your attorney will review your doctor's actions and decisions to determine whether the standards of care in your state for doctors with similar training, backgrounds and geographical location is fulfilled.

Physicians are required to follow the standards established by their patients without deviation or omission. Breaching that duty means the doctor was not able to meet these standards and caused harm to you.

Proving the breach of duty usually simple with the help of your attorney's research and expert witnesses. Those experts can testify as to the reasons why the doctor's actions didn't meet the standards of care and also explain why a different medical professional in similar circumstances might have different actions. Your lawyer must also tie the breach of duty with your injuries and damages. Your lawyer will look over your medical records, test and prescription results, imaging scans and prescriptions to make an argument that the breach of duty by your physician directly caused your injuries.

Causation

Most treatments come with some level of risk, but medical errors can increase the risks. In order to prove causality, a patient who has suffered an injury must demonstrate an unambiguous connection between the negligence of the doctor and their injuries. In many instances, this requires expert testimony and the assistance of a medical malpractice lawyer.

Medical errors could include errors in diagnosis, such as misdiagnosing serious illnesses or conditions. A doctor's failure to diagnose cancer or any other medical condition could have grave consequences for a patient. In this scenario the patient could be suffering excessive pain or even end up dying. The doctor may have committed a mistake by not diagnosing the condition properly.

Proving that a medical professional or hospital has treated you in a negligent manner is a lengthy and difficult process. The evidence needed may include a variety of sources, such as medical records and test results as well as expert witness testimony and oral depositions. Your lawyer can assist you gather and interpret the evidence and also assist you during the deposition process.

It is also important to remember that only a healthcare professional can be sued for negligence. As opposed to receptionists in medical facilities, doctors and nurses must act in accordance with the current standards of care. This means that medical professionals must be able of predicting the outcomes in light of their expertise and knowledge.

Damages

In medical malpractice cases, judges will hear about monetary compensations designed to pay compensation to injured patients. These damages could include past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded in certain circumstances. They are only awarded to those who commit crimes that society wishes to deter.

A medical malpractice case begins with the filing in court of a civil summons. Then, the parties engage in discovery, which is a process where the plaintiffs and defendants will make public statements under oath. This could include requesting the exchange of documents, such as medical records, deposing those who are involved in the lawsuit, and conducting interviews with witnesses.

In a claim for medical malpractice law firms malpractice it is crucial to prove that the physician was legally obligated to provide medical treatment and care to the patient. The second aspect is that the doctor violated that duty by not adhering to the medical standards of practice. The third element is whether the breach caused harm to the patient.

It is crucial to remember that the statute of limitations (the legally-defined period within which a medical malpractice claim must be filed) differs from state to state. In New York, there is a statute of limitations of two years and six months (30 months) after the date of the medical malpractice.