Can you sue a doctor in Washington state?
Medical negligence legal aid in Seattle is provided by experienced lawyers who take cases that involve medical mistakes, birth injuries, misdiagnoses, surgical errors, hospital-related infections, prescription mix-ups, wrongful deaths and other health care issues. They help clients recover compensation for their financial costs and physical and emotional suffering. They also assist with filing claims against hospitals and other licensed healthcare facilities, which may be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees, including nurses and doctors with admitting privileges.
The legal definition of medical malpractice in Seattle varies according to state law, but it usually involves some act or omission by a doctor or other health care provider that falls below the accepted standard of care for their patients and caused injury. To prove that a medical professional deviated from the acceptable standard of care, you need to have a physician explain what would have happened in an ideal situation and how their treatment fell short of that standard. This can be a complicated process, and many cases are dismissed because of challenges in establishing the standard of care.
You must also have proof that the deviation from the standard of care caused your injuries. This includes demonstrating the extent of your injury, which can include past and anticipated future losses. A Seattle med mal attorney will review your medical records and other evidence before advising you about whether you have a viable case.
In the United States, there were 8,500 successful medical malpractice lawsuits in 2016. Washington is one of the states that have no cap on damages, but it does require plaintiffs to prove that their damages are due to a defendant’s negligent acts or omissions.
It’s difficult to know when you are a victim of medical malpractice, but signs that you may have a claim for damages include serious injuries or side effects that you did not expect. You should consider seeking a second opinion from another medical specialist to examine your records and determine if you have grounds for a case.
If you’re pursuing a case, you have three years from the date of alleged negligence to file a civil action. However, you should contact a Seattle med mal lawyer as soon as possible because some medical professionals attempt to hide their negligence and delay the discovery of an injury.
An attorney can help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your medical negligence claim. Compensation for past and anticipated losses includes economic damages, such as your financial costs for medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. Many attorneys may overlook these damages because they are focused on filling their pockets, but we work to ensure you get everything that’s owed to you.
Moseley Collins Law
701 5th Ave Suite 4200
Seattle, WA 98104