Getting hurt in the hospital due to the negligence or wrongdoing of medical professionals can be a traumatizing experience. It is even worse if that injury ends up being fatal. In cases of malpractice, the victim or their family can file a lawsuit against the healthcare professional or institution that caused the injuries. Medical malpractice claims are typically complicated and require the assistance of an experienced Seattle medical malpractice attorney to succeed.
There are many reasons why someone may be injured or killed due to medical malpractice in Seattle. These include misdiagnoses, surgical errors, hospital-related infections, prescription mistakes, medication errors and more. A successful claim may lead to monetary compensation for the victims’ economic and non-economic damages.
While doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers are dedicated and hardworking people, they can make mistakes. When these mistakes lead to serious harm or death, a patient may file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the physician or hospital that was responsible for the error.
To successfully bring a malpractice lawsuit, a plaintiff must show that the doctor or hospital failed to provide care up to a reasonable standard and that this failure was the cause of the injury or death. A lawyer can help a client decide whether to move forward with a case and assist in gathering evidence, such as the victim’s medical records and any evidence of physical or emotional suffering.
An experienced Nursing Malpractice Lawyer Seattle can also handle wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of families who lost a loved one due to medical negligence. In these cases, the attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on the victim’s behalf and recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, mental distress and pain and suffering.
Depending on the circumstances, a patient may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit even if they signed a waiver or release form in advance of treatment. This is because the waiver or release does not remove a medical professional’s duty to treat a patient with the care and skill required by law.
In most cases, a Seattle medical malpractice lawsuit will settle out of court. This can be a good option for the injury victim because it can avoid the time and expense of a trial. During the negotiation process, the injured party can determine what amount of compensation they deserve.
Before hiring a Seattle medical malpractice attorney, it is a good idea to do some background research. The Internet is a valuable tool for this purpose. There are several websites that list medical malpractice attorneys and their contact information. Some of these sites include profiles that detail each attorney’s education, experience and the firm they work for. The contact information on the profiles allows potential clients to connect with the attorney to discuss their legal needs. The website can also provide a list of client and peer reviews. In addition, the internet can provide information about a medical malpractice attorney’s history, such as past settlements or verdicts.