How to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Medical malpractice claim lawsuits are a complex matter. There are certain rules that must be followed with a specific time frame during which the suit can be filed.

The claimant also has to prove that the doctor’s actions led to injuries and losses. This will require hospital and medical records.

Complaint

When your attorney’s inquiry has found evidence that fraud was committed, he will file a complaint in court and issue summons. The complaint will identify the defendants, and then state the allegations you make against them.

The basis for malpractice claims is the notion that a doctor or healthcare provider is obligated to a patient a standard of treatment. This standard is the level of expertise and prudence the reasonably prudent doctor who has similar training would apply in similar circumstances. Your legal team must prove that your doctor malpractice attorney did not adhere to this standard and caused you to suffer damages.

It isn’t easy to prove that a physician’s standard is the same as another doctor’s. It is crucial to employ an attorney who has access to experts in the medical field to testify on what a reasonable doctor would have done.

Not only doctors make mistakes, but also hospital personnel, like nurses and anesthesiologists. This is especially the case for emergency room personnel where mistakes are usually made due to a busy environment and overworked employees. Your lawyer may be able to secure testimony from experts in the emergency room who can provide evidence of the proper procedure and how your doctor’s actions were not up to the standard.

Discovery

During the discovery phase the attorney will gather and analyze evidence that could help in proving a malpractice case. This includes medical records, witness statements as and expert testimony. The legal team representing the other side may also be able to request the information from you and your attorney. This is typically done via inquiries and requests for production of documents. Certain materials could be protected and confidential because of privacy laws, like HIPAA’s Privacy Rule.

You must also prove that your injury is due to the negligence of the doctor. This is the most difficult aspect of a medical negligence case because it requires an expert evidence to support your claim.

Your lawyer will also interview witnesses to prove that the doctor was negligent. This includes radiologists, dentists, nurses, assistants and other people who were involved in the treatment of your health. Your attorney will be skilled in taking effective and convincing depositions to convince these witnesses to admit that the doctor was negligent.

Most lawsuits are settled, or settled, before they reach the trial stage. This is especially common in medical malpractice cases as the costs associated with trial can be expensive. Once the facts of your case have been established, a settlement may be agreed upon between you and the insurer of your doctor. If a settlement isn’t agreed upon, your case will go to trial.

Trial

When your lawyer has completed the initial investigation and concludes that you have a solid malpractice case, they will file the complaint. This will clearly state your allegations and will be served on the defendant, along with a summons.

Discovery is the next stage. The next phase involves discovery. This includes the exchange and depositions of witnesses. Your lawyer will use the statements to prove that the doctor did not follow the standard of care. The goal is to prove that the error resulted of the doctor’s negligence and caused damages.

Aside from the witness statement, your medical malpractice attorney will also work with one or two expert witnesses to back up your claim. These experts will be provided medical records and detailed information regarding your case in order to prepare for their deposition and testify. They can also assist in preparing your case for trial.

Your attorney will begin negotiations with the defense team as part of the trial preparation. This process is ongoing throughout the course of the trial and can sometimes last for several years. During this time, you will be recovering from your injuries and determining the magnitude and value of your losses. When possible, it’s beneficial for everyone to avoid litigation and settle out of court. Your lawyer will carefully weigh the advantages of a settlement offer against your present and long-term recovery. If the settlement is reasonable your lawyer will convince you to accept it.

Damages

During the discovery phase, plaintiffs be required to prove that their losses are substantial and that the negligence of the defendant contributed to these damages. If, for instance, the doctor failed to inform the patient of the 30% likelihood that the procedure will result in the loss of leg, and the procedure was perfect, but the patient lost a limb in the process, then the medical professional could be held responsible for negligence.

A victim may also show that a skilled lawyer could have averted or reduced the financial loss. This is sometimes referred to as the „but for“ test. In addition, it is essential to prove that the plaintiff’s expenses in the pursuit of a legal claim that are greater than the amount sought for compensation.

Our medical malpractice legal lawyers can explain the various types of damages that could be attained in a malpractice lawsuit case including past, present and foreseeable medical expenses and lost income, as well as pain and suffering as well as other non-economic losses. Generally, the more serious the injury, the greater the award. A successful verdict may be rescinded by appeal. Therefore, settling out of court can be a viable option for a few clients. It will save money and time in court costs. It also eliminates the risk of a jury deciding a case based on emotions rather than facts.