According to a study from Johns Hopkins, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. This means that approximately 150,000 people die every year from physician and hospital errors. 

If you think a doctor has injured you or you lost a loved one after they sought medical attention, you could have grounds for a civil claim. 

In this post, we’ll take a look at medical malpractice cases and your right to recovery. 

What Is Medical Malpractice?

When you enter a medical facility, you expect your ailment or injury to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated. However, when a hospital doesn’t do that, and you need additional medical care or sustain greater injuries, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit on your hands. 

Doctors owe a duty of care to their patients. This means that they should practice medicine as others in their field would in any given situation. 

Several factors contribute to medical malpractice. Some of the most common are miscommunication, inexperience, and gross negligence. 

Determining if a physician or other medical professional has wrongfully injured you can be tricky, which is why it’s best to work with a medical malpractice lawyer.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical errors can happen anytime a person is seeking medical attention. In most instances, care begins when an evaluation. Then, the doctor will diagnose and explain their treatment plan. 

Some of the most common situations that result in medical malpractice claims include the following:  

  • Diagnostic errors 
  • Failure to treat 
  • Surgical errors 
  • Prescription drug errors 
  • Childbirth injuries 

The list above is not inclusive. Many situations can result in medical malpractice. If you think you’ve been injured, it’s important to get in touch with a medical malpractice attorney. 

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim 

If you’re considering filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you’ll benefit from having a general understanding of what to expect. 

When you first seek legal representation, your chosen law firm will review what you’ve been through and determine if your claim is strong enough to move forward. 

If you decide to pursue legal action, your attorney will conduct an investigation. They will collect documents, medical records, and other applicable evidence that proves you were harmed. 

Once they have the proper evidence, your attorney will bring an expert witness on board. That person will explain how your doctor should have acted and why their actions should be considered negligent. 

While most medical malpractice cases resolve via negotiations as a settlement, there is a chance you could need to pursue your claim in court. If that happens, your lawyer will be by your side and present the strongest case possible to the judge and jury. 

Learn More About Your Legal Options

If you’re ready to learn about your legal rights and options, our law firm is here to help. A Florida personal injury attorney can explain how medical malpractice cases work and whether you have a valid claim to move forward with. 

Whether you’re ready to pursue a claim or you’re simply looking to learn more about the process, contact us today.