Medical malpractice, also called medical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional negligently injures or kills a patient. In the United States, a successful claim for medical malpractice requires a plaintiff to show that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care in his or her specialty, and that those deviations directly caused the injury, illness, or death of the patient. A Seattle medical malpractice lawyer can help patients prove these elements of their claims.
The first step in a successful medical malpractice case involves documenting the incident. This is especially important for cases that involve misdiagnoses. Often, the standard of care in a given field changes with current medical practices. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will know how to find the right medical experts to testify about the standard of care in your case.
A good attorney will also know how to obtain and analyze medical records. He or she can search for disciplinary actions, judgments and settlements on the doctor’s record with the Washington Medical Commission and the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
It is also a good idea to seek second opinions from qualified physicians who are not affiliated with your healthcare providers. These independent evaluations will provide valuable information about your condition and will give you a stronger case for medical malpractice.
Bringing a Medical malpractice lawsuit help in Seattle against a healthcare professional can be complex and time-consuming. In addition to proving that a healthcare provider failed to adhere to the applicable standard of care, you must demonstrate that these violations directly cause your significant injuries and losses. A medical malpractice attorney can help you to establish the acceptable standard of care for your specific case and prove that the healthcare provider deviated from this standard in your case, causing serious injuries or death.
In addition to medical costs, you may be entitled to non-economic damages. These are more subjective, but can still be substantial. They may include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a healthcare provider’s error, you should consult with a Seattle medical malpractice attorney immediately. Kornfeld Law can help you file a claim for compensation. Our team of legal professionals has more than 38 years of experience representing victims of medical malpractice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients throughout the state of Washington, including in Seattle. The statute of limitations for bringing medical malpractice claims in the state of Washington is three years. If you miss the deadline, the courts will not accept your case. If you have a valid claim, we will work hard to secure the maximum amount of compensation possible for your losses and suffering. This includes compensating you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial damages. Please call us for more information about filing a medical malpractice claim in Seattle. You can reach us by phone or online.
Moseley Collins Law
701 5th Ave Suite 4200
Seattle, WA 98104