Medical Errors/Malpractice

The Richard Law Firm was created to help people secure justice using our legal system.

Medical Errors/Malpractice

A careless doctor or negligent health care facility can permanently destroy an individual’s quality of life and family. Survivors of medical errors are often disabled for life and face chronic pain and suffering. Medical “mishaps” can cause catastrophic injuries or even death. A survivor and his or her family can face years of medical bills for future care. The loss of future income can be equally devastating.

Medical malpractice claims are among the most difficult cases to get justice. It is often not enough to show that a doctor or health-care provider made an error. Courts often require that the injured person demonstrate that the error, or malpractice, was so blatant that the healthcare provider deviated from all accepted care standards.

Medical malpractice claims are typically brought after a medical error involving death or serious injury, such as permanent disfigurement, loss of limb, or loss of quality of life. Unfortunately, there are rarely clear-cut answers about whether malpractice was committed. Many questions must be asked:

  • Did the doctor take all reasonable steps to prevent the tragic outcome?
  • Was the outcome foreseeable or expected with the particular type of case discussed?
  • Was the outcome an “expected risk” of the procedure or diagnosis?
  • Was there a failure to act in a timely manner?
  • What would have or could have another doctor done differently?
  • Were there circumstances that suggest that improper care was provided?

What Makes for a Viable Medical Malpractice Suit?

While many medical situations can be devastating, not all results can justify a lawsuit. One of the first questions to consider is whether a case is economically justifiable. Medical malpractice cases are expensive and time-consuming. If a potential case only involves a temporary misdiagnosis of a medical condition, and the correct diagnosis was eventually made with no significant permanent injuries, then that probably is not a good case to pursue. Even legitimate small-damage malpractice claims don’t justify a lengthy, expensive legal battle.

Once it is determined that the damages justify bringing suit, it must be determined that there is liability on the part of the doctor or health care provider. Did the action (or inaction) fall below the accepted professional standard of care? It would also need to be established that the negligent conduct was the actual cause of the injuries or death. Sometimes these are complicated issues.

Medical malpractice takes the lives of thousands of people every year. If you feel that you have been seriously impacted by a health care provider’s medical malpractice, we urge you to contact The Richard Law Firm right away. Call our offices in Jackson at 307.732.6680 and speak with an experienced trial attorney about your situation. Find out how we can help.

It is critical that medical malpractice claims be acted on quickly as the time to file or proceed with a medical malpractice claim is often  very limited. If you or someone you love has been seriously harmed by medical negligence, it is critical that you contact a good lawyer as soon as possible.