Did A Hospital Injure You? Learn How To Sue For Malpractice
If you are injured due to negligence while under the care of a hospital, you have a right to sue for compensation for your injuries. As the patient, it is your responsibility to take the proper steps to receive the compensation you deserve.
Act Quickly
A common mistake made by victims of medical malpractice is waiting to act until after statutes of limitation time limits have expired. These time limits are different depending on the part of the country where you live, which can be months or years. This can make it difficult to sue for medical malpractice, because your injuries may not be immediately apparent. For example, you may have had a surgical error performed on you that does not have immediate complications.
Speak With A Lawyer
Not only will a lawyer evaluate your case to determine if you have a chance of winning, but they will be able to assist in the legal proceedings, such as getting expert witnesses to identify damages. Medical malpractice cases can be very complicated from a procedural standpoint, which is why you need the help of a good lawyer.
It is common for lawyers working on medical malpractice cases to be paid a contingency fee, meaning they do not get paid if you do not win.
Determine Negligence
One reason that medical malpractice cases can be complicated is because of the difficulty proving negligence. It will take some legwork to determine who you need to be suing. If the doctor was employed by the hospital, you would need to sue the hospital itself. If the doctor was not an employee due to being an independent contractor, you will need to sue the doctor that worked on you.
Determine Damages
Damages go beyond what you had to pay out of pocket. They can include lost wages, pain and suffering, and even future medical costs related to your injury. Your lawyer will help determine the amount of money that will be requested in your claim.
File The Complaint
The most complicated part of the whole process will be filing the actual complaint. With laws varying all over the country, there will be different requirements for filing based on where you live. For example, you may be required to have a medical expert validate your case, speak with the hospital's medical review board, or attempt an alternate method of dispute resolution.
If all the proper steps are taken, you will be able to successfully submit your complaint regarding your medical malpractice injury. For more information, contact a professional such as Bennett & Zydron PC.
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