Healthcare professionals are required to take care of their patients with a certain standard of care. This standard of care that must be lived up to is based upon the standard practice of their peers and their institution. Patients trust in their physicians to put in their best efforts to ensure they receive good healthcare. If a medical professional does not live up to this standard of care to the best of their abilities and acts negligently in caring for a patient, they can put the health of a patient at risk. This is known as medical malpractice. It is important to contact an experienced attorney if you have experienced medical malpractice.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is defined as a form of negligence by a healthcare professional or doctor. When individuals in the medical field do not meet the expected standard of care when caring for others, patients can suffer and endanger their health. There are several different forms of medical malpractice. This may include:
- Failure to diagnose
- Delayed diagnosis
- Surgical or emergency room mistakes
- Prescription or anesthesia errors
- Labor and birth injuries
- Inadequate consent
- Hospital-acquired or post-surgical infections
- Improper care
When medical malpractice occurs, professionals may have to face consequences to be held responsible for their actions.
Proving Malpractice
Those who have suffered due to medical malpractice may have to prove negligence if they wish to hold a healthcare professional accountable. In order to prove negligence, a patient must link their suffering to the actions of the physician. If a patient believes they experienced medical malpractice, they may report the case. When this happens, an investigation can begin into the circumstances. When a professional is investigated for malpractice, their entire practice is called into question. The way they conduct medicine and interact with patients is looked into and watched carefully. Medical malpractice can damage a professional’s reputation, career, and even livelihood. It is possible for the physician to lose their license depending on the severity of the malpractice case.
Compensation for Malpractice
If a patient is successful in providing the negligence of a medical professional, they may be entitled to compensation. This compensation can provide money for any economic damages as a result of the malpractice. This may include payments for lost wages, future wages, and medical bills. Not only does medical malpractice injure a person physically, but it can also affect a person’s emotional health. Further compensation may be awarded in the event of emotional turmoil. This can include pain and suffering.
Contact our Firm
If you wish to seek more information about medical malpractice, contact Walker Medical Law today.
When a medical professional is accused of misconduct, it is essential that they retain strong legal representation. If you require a medical law attorney for your legal matters, call Paul E. Walker, an experienced New York City OPMC & OPD Lawyer. Please contactthe Walker Medical Law firm to set up a free initial consultation.
