Medical
Malpractice
Every year thousands of
people are injured as a result of medical malpractice. The Harvard
Medical Practice Study estimated that more than 180,000 people die
each year, at least in part, because of medical mistakes. Doctors,
nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other medical professionals have
a responsibility to provide their patients with competent and
appropriate medical care. Signing a physician's consent form does
not mean you consent to substandard medical care.
Medical negligence can
result in serious personal injury and/or death. Some examples of
medical negligence include: failing to diagnosis a serious illness
or disease, providing improper treatment, surgical errors,
prescribing the wrong medication, or failing to comply with
established procedures. When medical negligence causes injury to a
patient, the victim may be legally entitled to compensation.
Every state has a
statutory period of time within which a claim for medical negligence
must be filed. Often, but not always, this period of time is longer
for cases involving children. Therefore, if you suspect that you or
your child has been injured as a result of medical negligence, it is
critical to seek the advice of a lawyer, experienced in handling
medical malpractice cases, to be certain that your action is brought
within the time period mandated by state law.
Frith Law Firm is
committed to helping victims of medical malpractice and their
families. If you believe that you have been injured because of
medical negligence, click here for a free
case evaluation.
Medical Malpractice Frequently Asked Questions
What is a medical malpractice claim?
A medical malpractice claim is a claim filed against a corporation or individual which provided negligent or substandard medical care.
What is involved in the investigation of a medical malpractice claim?
First, a thorough review and analysis of your medical records. Secondly, a review of your records by qualified medical experts who can testify at trial that your treating doctors were negligent and that his/her negligence is a direct cause of injury or death.
How much will a medical malpractice claim cost?
No case is the same. Most of the expense in pursuing a medical malpractice case arises from the use of experts. Experts charge by the hour for their work on the file and total expert charges can range from a low of several thousand dollars to $30,000 or more.
How long will my medical malpractice lawsuit take?
Most medical malpractice claims take 18 – 24 months from the date the complaint is filed until the case is resolved, by settlement or trial.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim?
In Virginia, the general rule requires malpractice claims be filed within 2 years of the date of the medical negligence. This time period can be shorter or longer depending on the facts surrounding the claim. Promptly consult with an attorney knowledgeable with medical negligence law as the expiration of the statute of limitations would forever bar a claim.
Why won’t an attorney take my case, even though the doctor or hospital was clearly negligent?
Medical malpractice lawsuits are very time consuming and expensive. Many times, the expenses incurred in litigating the case are more than the damages you would be able to recover.
Will we have to go to trial?
There is no way to predict which cases will be tried and which will settle without a trial. Do not pursue a medical malpractice claim unless you are prepared to try your case in a court of law.
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