You go to your doctor with the expectation that they will improve your health, not harm you. Medical professionals have an obligation to treat patients with care and respect, and they should not be permitted to violate that duty by engaging in negligence, no matter how minor the mistake might seem. If you think your doctor has committed malpractice and harmed you as a result, you may be eligible to sue them for compensation. But before you can do that, it’s important to understand the legal process for bringing a medical malpractice claim.
To sue for medical malpractice, a patient must be able to demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to meet a reasonable standard of care. This is typically proven through expert testimony, as well as a patient’s own medical records and other evidence. Whether you’re suing a doctor for a surgical error or a medication error, it is vital that you have the right attorney by your side. Your lawyer will have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate your state’s specific laws, including any pre-suit procedures that you might need to follow, to gather medical records, and more.
If you decide to sue, you should be aware that there are time limitations for filing a lawsuit. In addition, your case will likely be reviewed by a panel of experts who will assess your injury and determine if there is a valid claim. It’s important that you contact a qualified medical malpractice lawyer immediately, as there is often a lot of work to be done before a lawsuit can even be filed.
Another important point to remember is that, in general, hospitals are only liable for the negligence of their employees. This includes nurses, physician assistants, radiologists, pharmacists, and lab workers. However, it does not usually include doctors, as most hospitals classify them as independent contractors rather than as employees. Your medical malpractice lawyer will know how to work around this issue and can help you pursue a claim against a hospital if the doctor who treated you was not an employee.
While many people do not want to spoil a relationship with their physician, it is crucial that you take the proper steps to hold your healthcare provider accountable for their negligence. This is especially true if they have violated their Hippocratic Oath and have caused you or someone you love harm.
Suing for medical malpractice is not only a way to get financial compensation for your injuries, but it also holds doctors accountable for their actions and teaches them to be more careful. As a result, future patients should not be subjected to the same kind of mistreatment that you have experienced. Ultimately, that’s the best thing that you can do for yourself and your loved ones. To learn more about sue for medical malpractice, contact the skilled attorneys at Sobo & Sobo today. With offices in Middletown, Monticello, New York City, and Spring Valley, we are ready to represent you.