Thousands of Americans fall victim to medical malpractice annually. Some of the cases occur right here in North Carolina. We put our lives in the hands of medical professionals all the time. We trust that they will make us well again. We rely on them to keep our loved ones alive. Very often, the outcome is positive, and our health improves. Other times, something goes wrong and we get sicker or a relative loses their life because of the professional’s negligence. If you are unfortunate enough to experience this you need to seek compensation with one of our medical malpractice lawyers in Gastonia.
It is important to note that not every poor outcome is the result of medical malpractice. Malpractice means a medical professional didn’t follow the accepted standard of care and a patient got injured or died. If a medical professional failed to follow protocols for diagnosis or treatment and the patient gets injured, they can be held responsible. A medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed against any healthcare professional, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Surgeons
- Hospital staff
- Anesthesiologists
- Radiologists
- Oncologists
You will need an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Gastonia, NC to help you build a strong case. The doctor and their insurance company are likely to deny liability and assemble a team of lawyers. You shouldn’t try to fight against them alone in a medical malpractice case. Call Ted A. Greve & Associates today to get the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Medical Malpractice Cases?
Medical malpractice can take several forms given the wide range of medical procedures that exist. However, some errors and injuries are more common than others. Personal injury attorneys and malpractice lawyers are likely to see:
- Medication errors
- Charting errors
- Anesthesia malpractice
- Failure to diagnose an illness
- Birth injuries
- Emergency room errors
- Surgical errors
- Foreign objects left in the body
- Wrongful death
- Pharmacy malpractice
How Will an Attorney Help Me Prove Malpractice Occurred?
Remember, you can’t accuse a doctor of malpractice just because your treatment didn’t work. As with all personal injury or wrongful death cases, you have to prove that negligence occurred. Your lawyer will use your medical records and expert testimony to show that:
- The doctor owed you a duty of care.
- The doctor breached that duty of care.
- That breach led to your injuries or illness
- The illness or injury warrants financial compensation.
What Damages Can I Get in a Medical Malpractice Claim?
If you’re considering pursuing an insurance settlement or suing a healthcare provider, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. Despite what you may see on TV with victims getting multi-million-dollar awards, this isn’t guaranteed in every case. You will generally get compensation for the losses you can prove.
These can include medical bills and lost wages due to time away from work. You may also be able to claim non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If your case goes to court, you may be awarded punitive damages. This is possible in cases where the medical professional was grossly negligent or reckless. Meanwhile, if your loved one died because of medical malpractice, you can claim compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills related to the injury
- The loss of their wages and future earnings
- The loss of family support and guidance
What’s the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Injury Cases?
You must file your lawsuit within three years of the date the injury occurred or within a year of discovering the injury. If you don’t file your claim in time, the court may not hear your case. Even if the medical professional was clearly negligent, you would lose out on the damages you could receive. There are exceptions to these time limits. Your attorney-at-law will assess your case to determine if they apply to you. However, you stand the best chance of claiming damages if you get legal representation as soon as possible. Your lawyer will need time to study your case, interview witnesses, and consult with experts.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates to Discuss Your Medical Malpractice Case
If you believe a doctor’s negligence caused you to get injured or become ill, contact our law office today. Medical malpractice claims can be difficult to navigate but we have the necessary skills and experience. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve so you can get your life back together. If you lost a loved one to medical malpractice, our medical malpractice lawyers in Gastonia, NC will do all we can to help you. We know no amount of money will be able to bring back your spouse or relative. However, full and fair compensation can reduce your financial worries. If you want a strong advocate on your side as you take on a negligent medical professional, call us today!
