What is medical malpractice?
What kind of mistakes can result in medical malpractice?
How does an attorney help you decide whether to pursue a medical malpractice case?
What kind of proof is necessary to win a malpractice case?
What damages can be recovered in a malpractice case?
What is the statute of limitations in a malpractice case?
What should I do if I have a medical malpractice claim?

What is medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider causes injury or death to a patient by failing to act within the applicable standard of care. The law requires a physician or other healthcare provider to meet the standards of practice in the profession, to exercise reasonable care and diligence, and to use his or her best judgment in treating patients. A healthcare provider commits medical malpractice when a patient is harmed because of a failure to fulfill these duties.

What kind of mistakes can result in medical malpractice?

A wide range of medical errors can result in a malpractice claim, including:

• failure to provide emergency care;
• misdiagnoses;
• medication errors;
• surgical errors;
• delays in treatment;
• preventable birth injuries.

How does an attorney help you decide whether to pursue a malpractice case?

If it appears that a serious injury may have been caused by malpractice, an experienced attorney from Patterson Harkavy will review the medical records and obtain review by qualified medical experts. Based on the experts’ evaluations, the attorney will advise you whether it is reasonable to pursue a malpractice claim.

What kind of proof is necessary to win a malpractice case?

To pursue a medical malpractice case, it is essential to have the help of strong, respected expert witnesses. Thanks to our experience and reputation, we are able to find experts who are at the top of their field, and have excellent judgment and integrity.

What damages can be recovered in a malpractice case?

A patient injured by medical malpractice can recover damages for economic losses, including medical expenses and lost income. In addition, the patient and the patient’s family can recover for other human losses caused by the malpractice, including disfigurement, loss of use of parts of the body, physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

What is the statute of limitations in a malpractice case?

The statute of limitations defines when a lawsuit must be filed to preserve a legal claim. The statute of limitations in a medical malpractice case is ordinarily three years from the act of negligence that causes the injury. If the patient dies, the statute of limitations is ordinarily two years from the date of death. Because of the time it takes to assemble the medical records and obtain review by appropriate experts, an experienced malpractice attorney must be contacted well before the statute of limitations expires.

What should I do if I have a medical malpractice claim?

You need the help of an experienced malpractice attorney. Contact Patterson Harkavy at 1-800-458-2541.