Medical mistakes: what you need to know about malpractice

If you or a loved one have been hurt by medical malpractice, you’re not alone; The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that about 225,000 people die each year from medical malpractice. Medical malpractice can cause severe damage to peoples’ lives, but luckily, the legal system has ways of protecting those harmed. Here are some facts about medical malpractice and personal injury cases that can help you if you or a loved one is ever in crisis.

• What can qualify: Medical malpractice cases are personal injury cases in which a medical professional has failed to provide sufficient care or treatment for an injury or illness, resulting in severe damages. “Sufficient care and treatment” can vary in definition, but can include misdiagnosis, unnecessary surgery, or failure to warn the patient of associated risks with treatment.
• What requirements are there: In order to sue for malpractice, the situation has to have been recent – typically within two years of the damage being caused. Otherwise, the event will fall outside the statute of limitations. Additionally, the case has to have caused enough damages to warrant bringing it to trial; this is because of the expensive nature of this type of lawsuit.
• Why do they exist: Medical malpractice suits exist to help those hurt by a negligent doctor gain recompense and the ability to manage costs and other damages incurred because of the negligence. Because medical malpractice can often result in very expensive and harmful situations for patients, these personal injury cases can help patients get back on their feet, or recover from the damage done.
• When to talk to a lawyer: If you or a loved one has been severely hurt by a negligent medical practitioner, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you decide to pursue legal action. The sooner you contact an attorney, the less likely it is you’ll run into an issue with the statute of limitations or a lack of evidence.

Looking for a personal injury attorney for your case? Contact the law offices of Steve Zwick to see what course of action is best for your situation.