We turn to medical professionals for help in healing and recovery, therefore when the outcome is an injury or even death that was preventable, our trust is shaken to the core. If you or a loved one suffered harm or loss of life due to the negligence of a healthcare provider or hospital, you may be a victim of medical malpractice. In such cases, the experience of the Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of E. William Hevenor can help you navigate the complexities of a medical malpractice case and secure the compensation you deserve.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers or medical facilities fail to meet their required duty of patient care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient, and in some cases, even death. Examples of medical malpractice include failing to diagnose a serious illness at a treatable stage, failing to diagnose and treat a heart attack or other life-threatening condition, medical device errors, emergency room errors, birth injuries, and other medical mistakes.
Doctors and nurses are only human but are expected to perform at professional standards and have a duty of care to their patients. If a medical error in diagnosis, treatment, or illness management results in significant personal injury or harm to the patient, then it is considered medical malpractice. Such instances of medical negligence can lead to severe injuries and emotional tolls on victims and their families, especially in a medical malpractice case involving childbirth or surgical errors.
Types of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can manifest in several ways, each with potentially severe consequences for the patient. Some common types include:
Surgical Errors: Medical mistakes occur during surgery, such as operating on the wrong patient or body part, or leaving a foreign object in the patient’s body, which can lead to serious complications.
Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can cause adverse reactions or fail to treat the patient’s condition effectively.
Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly diagnosing a medical condition can result in inappropriate treatment and prolonged suffering.
Failure to Diagnose: Delays in diagnosing a medical condition can lead to a lack of timely medical treatment, worsening the patient’s health.
Birth Injuries: Catastrophic injuries sustained by a baby during delivery, such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy, can result in brain injury and have lifelong impacts.
Hospital-Acquired Infections: Infections like sepsis or MRSA acquired in a hospital setting due to inadequate sanitation or care can lead to serious health complications.
Wrongful Death: Fatal outcomes due to medical malpractice, such as a surgical error or medication overdose, leave families grieving and seeking justice.
Compensation For Medical Malpractice
Victims of medical malpractice are often left with staggering amounts of medical debt, serious injuries, or the loss of a loved one. While in most medical malpractice claims it is not possible to repair the physical and emotional damage done, it may be possible to recover compensation through a lawsuit for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages lost, disabilities or disfigurement resulting from negligence, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages. If you lost a loved one, the Law Offices of E. William Hevenor can help you pursue a medical malpractice claim that could recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of the relationship both emotionally and financially, and any expenses you incurred for the medical bills, burial, and funeral.
It is possible to sue not only the medical practitioner, but other medical professionals associated with the practitioner, such as the hospital, practice group, medical teaching facility, or nursing home. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer will know how to build a strong case against all the parties that must be held accountable for your serious injuries.
Establishing Medical Negligence in a Medical Malpractice Case
To win a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff must show that the medical professional was negligent in providing care to the patient. Establishing a medical professional’s negligence in a medical malpractice case requires that the following criteria be met:
The medical professional owed a duty of care to the plaintiff as one would expect, for example, between a doctor and a patient.
That duty was breached in that the care provided was below the expected standard.
That the sub-standard care caused injury to the patient.
Establishing the standard of care requires the testimony of medical experts. Medical malpractice cases are often complex and subject to strict time limits for filing, so do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney immediately.
Get Help From an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you are seeking a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney, look no further than the Law Offices of E. William Hevenor. Bill Hevenor is a highly qualified medical malpractice lawyer who is well-versed in medical malpractice laws and regulations, ready to guide you through the intricate process of filing a lawsuit.
Working with our experienced medical malpractice attorney offers several benefits:
Experience: Bill Hevenor possesses extensive knowledge of medical malpractice laws and regulations, and can help you understand your rights and options as well as navigate the complex process of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit effectively.
Objectivity: In the face of medical negligence, it can be difficult to maintain a clear perspective. Our team offers a neutral, objective assessment of your case, cutting through the complexities of medical jargon and legal processes. We’ll help you understand the full scope of your injuries and losses, empowering you to make informed decisions about your legal options.
Advocacy: When your rights have been violated, you need a fierce advocate in your corner. At the Law Offices of E. William Hevenor, we’re committed to defending the innocent and fighting for justice. We’ll tirelessly pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Get the justice you deserve in your medical malpractice case! Contact the Law Offices of E. William Hevenor in Philadelphia, PA for a free consultation today.