Defining Medical Malpractice

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.

Emergency Room Errors

TYPES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS
Being rushed to the emergency room is a frightening experience for anyone. When we have been injured, there is a vulnerability and uncertainty about our future. Patients place a tremendous amount of trust in the care they receive in an emergency room and most of the time they are treated by caring doctors and nurses who help them when they need it most. Unfortunately, in the chaotic environment of an emergency room mistakes can be made. If you have been injured due to an emergency room error, you need to contact an experienced injury lawyer as soon as you possibly can. A mistake in the emergency room can result in catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. Families can be left emotionally and financially devastated and you need an attorney with a proven track-record of success.

At Howard, Morrison, Ross and Whelan, we have been successfully helping families since our firm was original founded in 1923 and we will work hard and fight hard for you. Our resourceful firm will thoroughly investigate your case to determine all of your legal options. We are very well-versed in these types of cases and understand the anguish you are experiencing. When you go to an emergency room, you have the right to be seen by a doctor. Federal law dictates that an ER performs a medical evaluation regardless of your ability to pay. When you go to an ER, you have rights. Our firm will aggressively protect those rights.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE IN VIRGINIA
Hospitals are large organizations with massive budgets and endless legal resources at their disposal. They are also covered by large insurance companies that also have legal teams and resources that everyday people could never compete with. Hospitals and insurance agents will aggressively protect their own best interests. It may seem that victims of emergency room errors face a battle that they cannot win. Don’t believe that. You do have rights and our firm will aggressively protect your rights and best interests. Our capable and confident firm has the skill needed to take on these big corporations and win. We care about our clients and we will steadfastly pursue both justice and compensation for you and your family.

Failure to Diagnose

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS
Medical science has made remarkable leaps forward in our lifetime, providing us all with a quality of life that past generations could not have imagined. Conditions that were once fatal are now routinely treated. In many cases, the success of treating an illness is very dependent on an early diagnosis. The failure to diagnose a potentially fatal condition can result in needless suffering and even death. Failing to diagnose cancer or heart disease at an early stage can devastate your family. Knowing that had the diagnosis been properly made at an earlier stage it would have made all the difference is very difficult to bear.

You deserve answers. Contact a knowledgeable injury lawyer from our proven firm as soon as possible. Our firm understands the emotional turmoil and anger you and your family are going through. We are well-versed in these types of cases and we will work hard to pursue justice and compensation on your behalf. Cases involving a failure to diagnose are very complicated and rely on expert interpretations of sophisticated tests such as MRI results, blood tests, x-rays and more.

At Howard, Morrison, Ross and Whelan, we have the skill, experience and resources you need to handle a medical malpractice case. We will methodically investigate your case to determine what went wrong and to determine an effective legal strategy. We work closely with our medical consultants and are available to answer any questions and keep you up to date on any developments in your case.

FIGHTING AGAINST MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Victims of a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose are often left facing more expensive and more extensive medical treatments. Families can be burdened not only by incoming medical bills but also by lost wages leading to financial strain. Our firm will tenaciously protect your rights and fight for you. We have been helping families through the most difficult periods of their lives since being originally founded in 1923. A confident and determined attorney from our firm will assist you in achieving optimum results.