Role of an Attorney in a Medical Malpractice Claim in Columbia
The prevalence of serious medical errors in the U.S. is nothing less than shocking. It is estimated that over 200,000 people die each year due to some form of medical malpractice. And that doesn’t even consider the number of people who are seriously injured or those who suffer from some form of long-term disability because of a medical error.
What’s also surprising is that only about 2% of individuals who do experience a medical error ever file a malpractice claim. This can result in years or even decades of physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as financial hardship – without any compensation. If you have been the victim of healthcare worker negligence, it is important to understand that you have options and rights. One of the surest ways to protect those rights is by working with an experienced medical misconduct attorney. Fighting for you is the role of an attorney in a medical malpractice claim in Columbia.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is a legal term used to describe a negligence claim brought against a medical professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital. To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, the injured party must be able to show that the medical professional failed to provide the standard of care that a reasonable medical professional would have provided in a similar situation. There are many different types of medical errors that can give rise to a claim, but some of the more common include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Birth injuries
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Anesthesia errors
When a Columbia healthcare worker makes an error, it is the role of a lawyer to help an individual heal through financial compensation.
How Does a Lawyer Help with a Medical Malpractice Claim?
Medical malpractice falls under the personal injury umbrella, which means you will need to hire a legal representative to help with your claim. Medical negligence claims are complex. They involve a great deal of evidence and often require expert testimony in order to be successful. This is not the type of claim that you can simply file on your own and hope for the best. You need to have a solid understanding of the law, and you need to be prepared to put in the work required to build a strong case. You can be sure that the healthcare worker responsible for your medical injury will have a team of experienced attorneys working on their behalf, fighting every step of the way to protect their interests. An experienced Columbia healthcare malpractice attorney’s role will be to help you in several ways with your claim and call on their network of medical experts to substantiate your claim.
The first thing an experienced legal representative will do is conduct a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding your case. It is critical to understand first and foremost if you have a viable legal claim. This will usually involve hiring medical experts to review your medical records and render an opinion as to whether the defendant deviated from the standard of care.
If it is determined that the defendant did, in fact, deviate from the standard of care, your attorney will then work to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. The next step your lawyer will take will be to gather evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, to support your claim of damages. This may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Once all the evidence has been gathered, your personal injury attorney will then begin negotiations with the insurance company for you. In many cases, these negotiations will result in a settlement that is favorable to the victim. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will not hesitate to take your case to trial to get you the compensation you deserve.
Another often overlooked benefit of working with legal counsel on a medical malpractice case is that they will handle the mountain of paperwork and red tape associated with your claim. This can be incredibly important, as the last thing you want to deal with when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of a medical error is a ton of paperwork. What may seem like an inconsequential detail can actually be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful claim.
Contact Us to Discuss the Role of an Attorney in a Medical Malpractice Claim
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical carelessness, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Chris Miller have successfully represented many clients who have been victims of medical errors, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Our legal representatives understand the role of an attorney in a medical malpractice claim in Columbia. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.