Columbia Medical Malpractice Lawyer

The statistics around medical malpractice in America are frankly staggering. It is estimated that over 200,000 people die every year due to some type of medical malpractice. This can include errors made during surgery, misdiagnosis, and even something as seemingly innocuous as prescribing the wrong medication. There is a real problem with the quality of healthcare in this country, and while many factors contribute to this issue, one of the most significant is the high incidence of medical malpractice. A recent study showed that medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be wondering if you have a personal injury claim and what your next steps should be. A seasoned Columbia medical malpractice lawyer could help you begin the claims process.

Understanding Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care and this deviation causes harm to the patient. This can take many forms, including (but not limited to) misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, and prescribing the wrong medication. If you live in Columbia, Missouri and you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, you need the help of a skilled attorney. Your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the financial damages you have incurred, and whether the healthcare professional’s actions were truly negligent.

Rights After Suffering from Medical Misconduct

For medical malpractice to qualify as an injury claim the first thing you need to establish is that the healthcare provider acted negligently. An injury claim can be filed against a healthcare professional for medical malpractice if their actions (or inaction) resulted in injuries that could have been avoided had they followed the accepted standard of care. You will also need to prove that you suffered damages because of their negligence. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more. If the malpractice resulted in the death of a loved one, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim. A lawyer in Columbia could help determine a fair compensation amount for the losses in a medical malpractice claim.

How Does a Legal Representative Assist with a Medical Malpractice Case?

As shocking as medical malpractice statistics are, what’s even more shocking is that many victims of medical malpractice do not even realize that they have an injury claim. This is because the law surrounding medical malpractice can be complex, and many people don’t understand their rights. In fact, only 2% of individuals who suffer from medical malpractice will ever file an injury claim. The first step in understanding your rights if you have been the victim of medical malpractice is to consult with an attorney in Columbia. A legal representative will be able to review your case and help you determine if you have a medical malpractice claim. They can also help you understand the process of filing a personal injury claim and guide you through every step of the process. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will also be familiar with the expert witnesses and evidence that will be necessary to build a strong case, will interview witnesses, and will work with medical experts to establish the standard of care that was violated. Of course, they will also represent you in court, should your case go to trial.

Discuss Your Claim with a Columbia Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, do not wait to get help. The sooner you talk to a Columbia medical malpractice lawyer, the better. At the Law Offices of Chris Miller, we have experience handling injury claims related to medical misconduct. We understand the complex legal issues involved in these cases and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today to discuss your options.