Western Washington Medical Malpractice Attorneys
What is Medical Malpractice?
When you go to see a medical professional, you expect them to provide a certain level of care and treat the condition that's ailing you. Unfortunately, not all doctors, dentists, nurses, or other health care practitioners adhere to the standards expected of them in their field. When these individuals perform below the standard, and their negligence causes you harm, you may have a medical malpractice claim. That means you could hold the practitioner financially responsible for any injury they caused you.
Medical malpractice claims are not always easy to navigate. They require a solid understanding of the laws as well as the expectations of care in the medical field. If you or a loved one was injured because of a doctor's negligence, reach out to Glisson & Morris. Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal process, and we can help you understand what to expect and how to pursue your claim. Backed by over 4 decades of combined experience, we know what it takes to develop a compelling legal strategy, and we will seek fair compensation on your behalf.
Allow us to provide the legal representation you need to hold a negligent health care professional responsible for damages. Contact Glisson & Morris online or call us at (360) 526-8191 for your free consultation!
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims
There are many different areas of the medical field, which means there are several types of negligence that could lead to a medical malpractice claim.
Below are some common types of medical malpractice:
- Failure to diagnose: When a patient goes to a doctor with certain symptoms, the physician may run a series of analyses to determine the cause. Unfortunately, if the doctor performs below the standard of care and fails to diagnose a condition that an otherwise competent doctor would have, the patient could suffer greater harm.
- Medication errors: This applies to the entire medication cycle, from the moment the doctor prescribes the drug to the pharmacist handing it off to the patient. If negligence occurs at any phase, serious or even fatal results could occur.
- Surgical errors: Health care professionals must ensure they are performing operations on the right patient and the correct body part and are following proper procedures. A patient could have a medical malpractice claim if negligence causes something to go wrong during their surgery.
- Anesthesiology errors: The anesthesiologist is responsible for ensuring the proper dosage is given to the patient, and they are monitoring them throughout the procedure. Errors that occur with the anesthesia could seriously injure the patient or even cause their death.
What Do I Have to Prove in a Medical Malpractice Claim?
To pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit, your claim must be more than that you were unhappy with the care you received.
Generally, in these types of cases, you must prove that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The doctor was negligent
- Their negligence caused you harm
- You suffered damages (expenses and losses) because of their negligence