Medical Malpractice/Medical Error Medical Negligence/Doctor Error
Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of preventable death and injury in the United States. Medical malpractice is defined as an act or omission by a health care provider which deviates from acceptable standards of practice in the medical community and which causes injury to the patient. Medical malpractice includes physician mistakes and hospital negligence. According to a recent report released by the Institute of Medicine, nearly 100,000 deaths can be attributed to medical malpractice each year. Medical malpractice is also the cause of serious and often permanent injuries to patients.
Medical malpractice can result in both short term and serious injuries, and the problems that can result from medical malpractice can have a life-long affect on a person. Some of the more common medical malpractice cases include:
- Wrong-site surgery
- Labor mismanagement
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to timely Diagnose
- Radiology malpractice
- Birth Complications
- Prescription errors
- Emergency room negligence
- Surgical negligence
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a medical professional, consider the following:
- Understand Your State's Statute of Limitations. This is the time period by which your claim must be resolved or a lawsuit filed. Failure to meet this requirement will likely mean you will not be able to pursue your case. Statutes of Limitations vary from state to state. Consider calling an attorney for advice.
- Obtain copies of your medical records. You have the right to review your own medical charts and information. These records will help your attorney build a solid case. In Kentucky, you have the right to one free copy of your medical records.
- Consult a medical malpractice attorney in your area. Even if you are unsure about the strength of your case a medical malpractice attorney with experience and knowledge may see potential where you do not.
If you have been seriously injured by the actions or inactions of a medical doctor, hospital, nurse or other health care provider, it may be important to contact a medical malpractice attorney who can help protect your legal rights. Brett H. Oppenheimer PLLC, and his team will investigate your claim of medical negligence. Call today for a free consultation.
