According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical negligence ranks just behind heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, medical malpractice payouts amounted to more than $3 billion in 2012, with an average payout every 43 minutes. Though these statistics are alarming, there are steps you can take if you believe you or a family member has experienced medical malpractice in Washington D.C.
Legal definition
In order to prove a medical malpractice claim, you need to show that a health-care provider deviated from the recognized standard of care in your treatment. This standard compares that doctor’s actions to what a reasonably prudent doctor would have done under similar circumstances. Essentially, your case comes down to proving that the treating physician engaged in medical negligence.
Victim identification
Experiencing a bad outcome in your medical treatment doesn’t necessarily mean you are a victim of medical neglect. You need to show that your health-care provider’s actions caused your damage or injury.
Statute of limitations
Once you sustain a medical injury, you have a limited time frame to file your case. Your first step to determine whether or not the statute of limitations bars your claim is by contacting a medical malpractice attorney. Your attorney will review all of your case details, including obtaining medical records and interviewing you and family members about the incident. With this information, your attorney can decide whether or not your case is actionable. The deadlines by which you must file your case vary by state, but your medical malpractice attorney can ensure you comply with your state’s statute of limitations. Additionally, your attorney will be able to advise you on all of your settlement options as your case progresses.
