When medical professionals make mistakes, the consequences can be devastating. If you were harmed due to a doctor’s negligence, a Columbus personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages.
The team at Shore Law has over 40 years of combined legal experience. Our Columbus medical malpractice lawyers can help you obtain compensation when a medical professional fails to meet the standard of care and you’re left injured as a result.
The Role of a Columbus Medical Malpractice Attorney
A medical malpractice lawyer in Columbus helps injured patients pursue compensation for their losses. Your lawyer’s role will include:
- Investigation and evidence gathering: A lawyer can collect documentation, interview witnesses, and work with medical professionals to strengthen your case.
- Damage calculation: A lawyer can evaluate your economic and non-economic damages and help make sure all of them are included in your claim.
- Negotiating a settlement: A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for you.
- Trial representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can present your case in court.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
Victims of medical malpractice in Columbus may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of additional treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: You can seek compensation for income you lost during your recovery, as well as reduced earning capacity if your ability to work in the future has been impacted.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Loss of quality of life: You can recover damages if your injury affects your ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Long-term care costs: You can receive compensation for ongoing medical needs or assisted living expenses.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, you can pursue additional damages meant to punish your medical provider.
How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Ohio?
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.113, you generally have one year from the date medical malpractice occurs (or from when you reasonably discovered it) to file a claim in Ohio. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely, which is why it’s important to act quickly.
Different deadlines may apply in cases involving the delayed discovery of injuries or patients who are minors. A medical malpractice attorney in Columbus can help make sure you file your claim on time.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. The “standard of care” refers to the level of treatment a reasonably competent provider would deliver under similar circumstances.
What Do You Need to Prove?
When the outcome of your medical care is negative, it makes sense that you might want someone to blame. However, for something to be considered malpractice, it must meet certain legal conditions. You and your lawyer will have to show that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The provider was negligent.
- The negligence caused your injury.
- You suffered damages as a result.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice can take many forms, depending on the nature of the error and the type of care provided. Some of the most common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: When a condition is incorrectly diagnosed, or not diagnosed in time, it can lead to worsening health or missed treatment opportunities.
- Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the body, can cause serious complications.
- Medication errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can result in harmful side effects or dangerous drug interactions.
- Birth injuries: Errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can cause long-term harm to both the mother and child.
- Anesthesia errors: Improper administration of anesthesia can lead to brain damage, organ failure, or even death.
- Failure to treat: When a provider recognizes a condition but fails to take appropriate action, the patient’s condition may worsen unnecessarily.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you believe you are the victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to take these steps:
- Seek medical attention: Get a second opinion or additional treatment to address any harm caused by the initial provider.
- Request your medical records: Obtain copies of all relevant records to document your care and treatment.
- Document your experience: Keep detailed notes about your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury has affected your daily life.
- Avoid discussing the case publicly: Refrain from posting details on social media or speaking to insurance companies without a lawyer present.
- Track expenses and losses: Maintain records of your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses tied to your injury.
- Get legal help: A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help determine the best course of action.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Columbus
The process of filing a medical malpractice claim can be daunting. If you believe you have grounds for a claim, a Columbus medical malpractice attorney from Shore Law can collect evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you obtain a fair settlement.
Book a free consultation to find out how you can seek justice.
