Medical malpractice happens in a number of ways. Surgeries go wrong due to negligence, doctors misdiagnose diseases, or pharmacists give someone the wrong medication. While malpractice is generally not truly malicious, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact the lives of those patients who suffer harm. As a result, it is important for you to explore your legal options if you have suffered harm that you believe may have originated with a medical care provider’s actions or inactions. After speaking with an experienced Houston, TX personal injury lawyer, you will be able to make a truly informed decision about whether it is in your best interests to pursue compensation from the negligent provider in question at this time.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim Is a Time-Sensitive Process
Every state has a statute of limitations concerning when a patient can file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a healthcare provider. Typically, you have 1-3 years to file your lawsuit and there are very few exceptions. In rare cases, someone may receive an extension if they can prove without a doubt that they were unaware the malpractice happened, such as if a surgical tool was discovered inside a person years later. However, cases that fall under these circumstances are rare, which means the sooner you hire a lawyer, the better.
Medical Negligence Laws Are Complex
Proving that a healthcare provider was negligent can take much longer and is much more complicated than it seems. An attorney can help you determine if your case is viable and is strong enough to be likely to succeed. Your lawyer will likely begin by pulling and comparing your medical records from before and after the alleged malpractice, determining if you have additional medical bills due to the harm you have suffered, considering whether you had to stop working, etc. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, so having an experienced attorney on your side will help to ensure that your case is as solid as it can possibly be.
Settlements in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Settlements in medical malpractice lawsuits vary greatly and can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. Many times, the defendant will try to settle out of court first. The knowledgeable legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates can help to evaluate the potential settlement value of your case so that you can accurately determine whether pursuing legal action is worth your time and effort.
