What is medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice is a type of professional negligence that occurs when a professional, like a doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel, fails to provide medical care that is up to a certain standard. In Washington, this standard is determined by the Standard of Care, which is basically a set of rules that medical professionals are expected to follow. When a medical professional fails to provide treatment in line with these standards, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries, illnesses, or other harm that results from their negligence. Medical malpractice can take many different forms, but the most common are misdiagnosis, medication errors, birth injuries, and surgical errors. Patients can suffer long-term physical, emotional, and financial harm as a result of medical malpractice. For example, if a doctor misdiagnoses a patient, the patient may miss an opportunity to receive proper treatment and suffer from worsening symptoms. In cases where the malpractice results in serious injuries or death, the patient or their family may be entitled to receive a financial award. In Washington, there are legal requirements that must be met before a person is able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. These requirements can vary depending on the circumstances, but generally, a person must prove that the medical provider acted with negligence and that the injuries or losses sustained were directly caused by their negligence. If the requirements are met, the person may be able to recover financial compensation for the damages they have suffered due to the medical malpractice.

Related FAQs

What is a negligence per se claim?
What is the standard of proof in a personal injury case?
What is a claim for pain and suffering?
What are the key elements of a negligence claim?
When should I seek medical attention after an accident?
What are the steps involved in a personal injury trial?
What should I do if I am offered a settlement?
What if the other party doesn’t have enough insurance?
How much do personal injury lawyers charge?
Can I sue for emotional distress?

What is medical malpractice?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts