You’ve undoubtedly read stories in the news about doctors who amputated the wrong leg from a patient, or a patient who set off metal detectors at the airport because his surgeon left a retractor inside the abdomen without realizing it. While these examples are extreme, unfortunately medical malpractice is more common than one might think. Expert estimate that hundreds of thousands of people die each year from medical malpractice; thousands more are injured or suffer from other medical problems. Essentially, you trust your life in the hands of someone else when you visit the emergency room or schedule surgery. When someone who is considered a medical professional breaks that trust, the consequences can be devastating. If you have suffered in any way because of medical malpractice in Hagerstown, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Medical malpractice is defined as professional negligence by a health care provider, by omission or act, in which the medical treatment falls below the acceptable standard of care in the medical industry. It is not just occurring in hospitals every day, but also in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, out-patient surgery centers and doctor offices. It can be caused by fatigue, carelessness or a variety of other factors.
Regardless of the how or why it happened, medical malpractice in Hagerstown can cause life-altering injuries. You can easily rack up thousands of dollars in additional medical costs to treat even minor problems. Or, you might be left with a permanent disability that prevents you from working or caring for your children. If you or a loved one has received inadequate care while being treated by a medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
You would be well advised to consult an attorney that specializes in medical malpractice Hagerstown. Filing a medical malpractice claim is a detailed and complex process. It can be extremely overwhelming for the average person. And the last thing you need if you are the victim of medical malpractice is more stress. There are also limits on when you can file a claim, the circumstances surrounding the incident as well as monetary compensation. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal system to get the justice that you deserve. Filing a medical lawsuit isn’t just about the money; it is also about sending a message to health care professionals that are negligent and protecting future patients from suffering from the same problems as you.
