The field of Medical Injury Law covers injuries to a patient that are alleged to be caused by medical negligence or malpractice. Medical negligence or malpractice refers to a health care professional’s failure to meet the standard of care in his or her profession, resulting in injury to a patient. This might include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management. In order to pursue a claim for compensation in a medical negligence case, it must be proven that a doctor or hospital acted negligently and that such negligence resulted in harm.
In some instances, the injuries sustained in a medical malpractice or negligence case may be the result of medication or treatment prescribed by a doctor. In such cases, the drug’s manufacturer may be held liable for failing to list all potential side effects of the medicine. In such cases, it is often important to have an attorney that has a broad understanding of medical procedures and terminology.
It is also essential to note that while WA Medical Injury Law claims are sometimes referred to as “personal injury claims,” medical malpractice cases are actually a subset of personal injury claims. This is because the main focus of a personal injury claim is not just negligence, but rather the violation of a legal duty. Medical malpractice claims are more complex because of the necessity to prove both a breach of duty and an injury.
How Can You Tell If a Physician’s Malpractice Has Injured You?
There are four elements or legal requirements that must be met for a successful medical malpractice case:
The doctor had a professional duty to provide the appropriate level of care to the patient. The doctor breached this duty through their negligent actions. This breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury. The injury must have resulted in significant damages. This could include disability, loss of income, extraordinary pain and suffering, or significant past and future medical bills.
It is also important to note that there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a claim. These vary by state and country. It is essential to seek legal advice in order to ensure that you file your claim within the appropriate time frame. To determine whether or not you have a valid claim, please contact an experienced medical negligence lawyer such as P. Kent Eichelzer III. Our attorneys have both legal and medical degrees, giving us the unique perspective to understand your injury and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout the Washington, DC area.
“Moseley Collins Law
701 5th Ave Suite 4200, Seattle, WA 98104
(800) 426-5551”