Why It Is Important to Consult With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
In the hands of the wrong medical practitioner, the consequences of a serious injury can be devastating. Mistakes during surgery can lead to permanent health complications. Drug errors can have fatal effects on a patient.
While most people expect medical professionals to adhere to a certain standard of care, the reality is that mistakes do occur. Whether the error was minor or severe, it is important to consult with an experienced Medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the better, as most Statute of Limitations time frames give only a limited window during which a lawsuit can be filed.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a medical professional, the compensation that you may be awarded to cover your losses can include several categories of damages. The most common include the following:
Reimbursement of medical expenses
If a doctor makes a mistake and you require further treatment for your injuries, it is fair to receive reimbursement for any additional medical costs that you incurred as a result of that error. Additionally, you are entitled to be paid for anticipated future medical expenses as well. In this case, your lawyer will likely call on expert witnesses to provide you with an estimated amount of these expenses.
Lost wages
If the medical error prevented you from working or forced you to work a reduced capacity, you are entitled to receive the equivalent of your lost earnings. This is true even if you were able to take time off from your job using vacation, sick, or short-term disability days.
Wrongful death
When a medical error results in the wrongful death of a patient, it is important to file a wrongful death claim with an experienced medical malpractice attorney as quickly as possible. It is essential to do this so that the case can be investigated thoroughly and a strong argument can be made for damages in your wrongful death claim.
Medical malpractice cases can be very difficult to prove and many do not make it to trial. However, if you are able to find an attorney and firm with extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases, they will be willing to take your case all the way through a trial, rather than try to settle it early. This is because the best results in a medical malpractice lawsuit, including substantial settlements, come from attorneys and firms that are not afraid to go all the way with a client. In addition, the firm you choose should have a good track record of success.