The Human Cost Of Medical Mistakes In Ohio
When a person is the victim of a medical error, they may be diagnosed improperly or provided with substandard treatment. Although some medical errors may be associated with inexperienced physicians, new and relatively untested procedures, urgent care or complex treatment, medical errors may occur in virtually any setting and are a fairly common form of medical malpractice.
Depending on your unique situation and the consequences of the mistake, a medical error may have caused you to experience a catastrophic injury for which you may be entitled to compensation. At Goldstein & Goldstein, Attorneys at Law, we offer free consultations so we can thoroughly learn what has happened to you and how we can help.
Defining Medical Malpractice
Health care workers make mistakes, just like professionals in other sectors. Their mistakes, however, are in much higher stakes situations and can lead to several forms of medical malpractice such as:
- Medication errors
- Surgical mistakes
- Failure to provide treatment
- Birth injuries
The recovery from such medical mistakes can be a long-lasting process. In some cases, people never recover. If you find yourself suffering from medical malpractice, you do not have to go through it alone. Medical malpractice represents a dreadful breach of trust between you and those supposed to take care of you.
Our personal injury attorneys prioritize earning your trust so we can aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. We personalize our services for you. We learn the details of your case and struggles and build a case designed around what you need most.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice In Ohio
Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys understand that if you’ve suffered further injury from a health care practitioner’s medical mistake, you probably have a lot of questions. They regularly get asked the same questions. Here, they answer some of the questions they get asked most often. For answers about your specific case, they offer a free consultation. During this free appointment, they will answer any other questions that you might have.
What constitutes a failure to provide treatment?
A failure to provide treatment occurs when a health care provider does not offer necessary medical care that could prevent harm or further illness. This can happen if a doctor ignores symptoms, misdiagnoses a condition or delays treatment without a valid reason.
For example, if you have a clear medical issue and your doctor dismisses it without conducting tests or providing a treatment plan, this might be considered a failure to provide treatment. Our Cleveland medical malpractice lawyers can help assess your situation to see if it qualifies as medical malpractice.
What should I do if I suspect a medical error has occurred?
If you suspect a medical error occurred, it is important to take a few immediate steps. First, seek a second opinion from another health care provider to confirm the mistake. Keep detailed records of your medical visits, treatments and communications with your health care providers. Document any changes in your condition.
Next, consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer who understands the intricacies of a medical malpractice claim. Acting quickly is crucial to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. Our attorneys at Goldstein & Goldstein regularly handle claims of medical malpractice and nursing home negligence. They can help you understand your rights and evaluate whether you have a potential claim.
How do I prove that a medical error occurred?
Proving a medical error involves demonstrating that your health care provider or medical professional failed to meet the standard of care, leading to your injury. You need to show that a competent doctor would have acted differently under the same circumstances. To prove this, it is important to:
- Collect all medical records and documentation related to your treatment.
- Consult with an attorney who can help you gather the necessary evidence and possibly work with medical professionals to provide support for your claim.
Our medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland are experienced in helping clients build strong cases by meticulously reviewing medical histories and identifying deviations from standard care.
Are there time limits for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit?
Yes, there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. In Ohio, you generally have one year from the date you discover the injury to file a claim. However, some exceptions may extend this timeframe, such as if the injury was not immediately apparent. It’s important to act promptly to ensure you don’t miss the deadline. Consulting with an attorney as soon as you suspect malpractice can help you navigate these timelines effectively.
What is the difference between wrongful death and medical malpractice?
Wrongful death and medical malpractice are related but distinct legal concepts. Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider’s negligence causes harm to a patient. Wrongful death, on the other hand, happens when that negligence leads to the patient’s death.
In a wrongful death claim, the deceased’s family can seek compensation for their loss. Both require proving that the provider’s actions deviated from acceptable medical standards.
Consult A Cleveland Medical Malpractice Lawyer For Free
Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers offer prospective clients a free, initial consultation and case evaluation. You can schedule your free appointment by sending us a message using our online form. You may also call us at 216-706-9664.