Any time a patient is harmed or otherwise hurt by a medical professional, the possibility of suing for medical malpractice is discussed. While the rules regarding when, where, and how to pursue a medical malpractice case can differ, there is certainly a variety of correct ways to go about it.
Whether you are looking for medical malpractice lawyers in Antioch or beyond, you should be fully equipped with the tools to properly assess the situation of medical malpractice to understand what the best course of action would be to take.
How to File a Claim
Filing a medical malpractice claim is a huge step, and it can often be a daunting one for those who are unfamiliar with the legal world. There are several things you need to prove to the court before you can successfully file a claim against a doctor.
The court needs to know:
- That there was a relationship between the patient and the doctor
- That the doctor was negligent, and not just that the patient was unhappy with results of a treatment or procedure
- The negligence led to specific damages or injuries that are either irreversible or significantly harder to treat
- Requirements for Making a Medical Malpractice Suit
Knowing when to sue for medical malpractice is incredibly important for the potential success of the suit. A medical malpractice case must be created as soon after the injury as possible. This is the statute of limitations that you should familiarize yourself with within your own state’s set of laws and regulations.
There are other requirements that suggest that the doctor must be made aware that they are being sued for malpractice. This must be done before filing the case itself, and often requires the doctor’s acknowledgment. Again, this can vary from state to state.
Types of Malpractice Lawsuits
There are three main types of medical malpractice cases, including:
- Failure to properly diagnose
- Improper treatment based on a likely improper diagnosis
- Failure on the doctor’s behalf to warn a patient of the risks of a certain treatment or procedure
It can be easy to get help if you are stuck in this situation. Look for Antioch medical malpractice lawyers that can get your case filed as soon as possible. When it comes to medical malpractice lawsuits, there isn’t any time to waste – the clock starts ticking as soon as you are injured due to the negligence of a doctor. Contact the law offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C right away for more information, and to schedule an appointment.