FILING A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM
When we are feeling ill or are suffering from an injury, we are in a vulnerable position and place a great deal of faith in the doctors and nurses that we go to for help. We trust that the medical professionals we turn to when we are in need of medical care will do all they can to help us get well. When a doctor makes a mistake, however, the consequences can be devastating. If you or someone you love has been affected by a medical mistake, you need an injury attorney by your side as soon as possible. Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex and demand the thorough attention of a proven attorney.
Patients are extremely vulnerable while undergoing medical care. For example, a failure to diagnose a condition or allergy can lead to an improper medication being administered putting patients at risk for disastrous medical complications or even wrongful death. Even the smallest mistake in a chaotic emergency room can result in a drastic outcome that may leave patients suffering with the consequences for the rest of their lives. When a doctor performs a procedure on a patient, they take responsibility for that patient and any injury that may result. At Howard, Morrison, Ross and Whelan, we will fight for you.
STUDIES REGARDING MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS
In 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine reported the findings of a study that dispelled the myth that the medical industry was plagued by frivolous lawsuits. Per the study, two thirds of all claims had clear-cut evidence of malpractice – and the third that lacked this comprehensive evidence often did not receive compensation. According to the study, almost all medical malpractice claims stemmed from treatment-related injuries with more than 90 percent resulting in an actual physical injury, which was usually severe. The reviewers in the study found that more than 60 percent of the injuries were caused by errors.
The lead author of the study, David Studdert, who is the associate professor of law and public health at Harvard School of Public Health commented after the study that “overall, the malpractice system appears to be getting it right about three quarters of the time.” In the study, it was found that 73 percent of all claims that involved some sort of error received some sort of compensation. It was also found that in claims that did not involve error, 72 percent did not receive compensation – the ones that did receive compensation in claims without evidence of error received lower amounts of compensation on average.
These numbers were successful in disproving the prevalent myth that medical malpractice claims are “frivolous” and not rooted in solid fact. They were also successful in proving that those who are injured by the error of a medical professional have the chance to seek the compensation that they deserve. Therefore, if you have been injured, you should not hesitate to get the involvement of an experienced personal injury lawyer that you can trust. At our firm, we know what is at stake and will fight for you. To learn more about how we can help, do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.
SEEKING COMPENSATION
Medical malpractice cases are very complicated and involve complex medical and legal terminology that may be intimidating to a patient that has already suffered both emotionally and financially due to a doctor’s mistake. Making matters worse, doctors and hospitals are most often covered by huge insurance companies that have large legal teams and endless resources at their disposal. Their job is to settle any malpractice claim as quickly and cheaply as they possibly can. It is important that you have an attorney by your side who will not be intimidated and who will aggressively fight for you. Our firm cares about our clients and we are devoted to assisting you in pursuing maximum compensation.