Medical malpractice is a legal term referring to medical negligence that harms the patient. This includes a negligent act or omission by a physician or other healthcare provider, which has caused injury, illness, or death.
An Overview of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other medical professional does not provide the same standard of care that another healthcare provider in a similar situation would have provided. There are many reasons a patient might bring a medical malpractice lawsuit, including:
Doctor Negligence: Failure to follow proper procedure resulting in injury.
Medical Device Failure: Injuries due to a product defect.
Hospital Negligence: Injuries that occurred as a result of the hospital’s actions or lack thereof.
In order for a medical malpractice case to be valid, four conditions must exist:
- There’s a duty of care running from the doctor to the patient.
- This duty is breached in some way, which then breaches the standard of care that a doctor owes to his or her patients.
- The breach directly causes injury to the patient.
- There is a causal connection between the breach and the injury suffered by the patient.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured by A Doctor?
If you believe you have been injured by a doctor or other medical professional, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid medical malpractice case and guide you through the process.
Medical malpractice lawsuits are on the rise
The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in the United States has been increasing for the past few decades. This is most likely due to improvements in health care and diagnostic technology, which have allowed patients to more easily identify when their doctor has wronged them.
Medical malpractice cases can be highly complex
The majority of medical malpractice lawsuits are difficult to win because they require an expert witness who is knowledgeable about appropriate diagnostic and treatment guidelines. These experts determine whether or not a doctor’s diagnosis or treatment was negligent and whether that negligence resulted in injury to the patient. Medical malpractice lawsuits are often difficult for juries to understand because of their technical nature. Thus, your best chance at winning a medical malpractice lawsuit is with the help of an experienced attorney who can present your case in the most favorable light possible.
You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries
If you are successful in a medical malpractice lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. This includes the cost of medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. It is important to note that the amount of money you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the jurisdiction in which you file your lawsuit.
You should never sign a release form from your doctor
Many doctors will ask patients to sign a release form after they have been treated for an injury. This form releases the doctor from any future liability related to the injury. You should never sign this form, as it may prevent you from later suing your doctor.
Reach out to the Law Offices of Lisa Douglas. We handle all types of cases, including medical malpractice, social security disability claims, criminal law, personal injury cases, and others in Little Rock. Law Offices of Lisa Douglascan provide representation for any type of legal matter—no matter how complex or straightforward it seems on paper. The firm prides itself on providing high-quality service at affordable rates so that our clients feel taken care of every step along the way. Don’t hesitate to contact the firm today.
