It’s hard to imagine doctors making mistakes. People see them as authoritative individuals because of their training and education. Patients trust their judgment and submit to their care. That’s why reports of medical malpractice are distressing and shocking.
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care. The change results in harm or injury to a patient. Malpractice covers a range of errors. It can range from a misdiagnosis to a surgical mistake.
Medical malpractice has a profound impact on the lives of victims and their families. A medical professional’s negligence can result in illnesses, injuries, or death. It also has a massive impact on the victim’s finances.
The sad truth is that medical malpractice happens more often than people think. Experts estimate that medical errors harm around 1.2 million patients in the US every year.
This is where a medical malpractice lawyer comes in. This professional can help victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. This post provides an overview of what they do.
What is a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
A medical malpractice lawyer is a legal expert. This professional represents victims of a healthcare provider’s negligence or incompetence.
Medical malpractice attorneys have specialized knowledge in both the legal and medical fields. This allows them to handle complex cases involving medical errors.
What Do Medical Malpractice Lawyers Do?
Medical malpractice lawyers are well-trained to handle cases of neglect and wrongdoing. One of their primary roles is to advocate for the victims of medical malpractice. They make sure these people receive justice. Here’s what these lawyers do to achieve that.
- They Check the Case
The first thing a medical malpractice attorney will do is assess the potential case. This involves reviewing the patient’s medical records. The lawyer will also consult with medical experts. They will help determine whether there was a change in the standard of care. A malpractice lawyer will also check the extent of harm caused by the alleged negligence.
- They Gather Evidence
The medical malpractice lawyer will gather comprehensive evidence if there is negligence. He or she will collect the patient’s medical records, charts, and test results. The lawyer will start interviewing witnesses. This covers the patient and their family members. The medical malpractice attorney will also interview the healthcare staff. They will also coordinate with medical experts to build a strong case.
- They Will File a Lawsuit
A medical malpractice attorney will file a lawsuit on behalf of the patient. They will draft and submit a complaint detailing the allegations. They will also file the complaint with the defendant(s). There could be several parties involved here. The case could involve doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Lawyers can also file negligence cases against other healthcare entities.
- They Can Negotiate on the Patient’s Behalf
Medical malpractice cases are often settled out of court. A settlement provides a quicker and more predictable resolution. Many malpractice cases do go to trial. The compensation is higher but it’s more expensive for both parties. It’s also longer. There’s also no guarantee the court will side with the patient.
A medical malpractice lawyer can negotiate a settlement for the patient. They will try to reach a fair settlement. This should compensate the patient for their medical expenses. The settlement will also cover lost wages and any future care needs. It also considers the patient’s pain and suffering.
- They Can Go to Trial
A medical malpractice case can go to trial if there’s no settlement. It’s the job of medical malpractice lawyers to present evidence. They will also provide expert testimony to a judge or jury. The malpractice lawyer will also cross-examine the defense’s witnesses and experts. They will also argue the case. Their goal is to prove that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused harm.
Medical malpractice lawyers play a vital role in the justice system. They offer hope and help to people harmed by medical negligence. These professionals guide victims through a complex legal landscape. They work to help victims find closure and to hold healthcare providers accountable.
Before You Go
Medical malpractice lawsuits are often complicated. The expert trial lawyers of Warner and Warner will help make this process easier for you. We’re one of Orlando’s top law firms. Our company is always dedicated to giving justice to victims of negligence. We specialize in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. We also handle cases involving defective products. Give us a ring at (321) 341-6783 or message us at info@warnerandwarner.com. We’ll do an initial free review of your case.
