What do I need to know about the burden of proof in a medical malpractice case?

In Virginia, the burden of proof in a medical malpractice case is the same as in other civil cases: a plaintiff must prove to the court that the defendant was negligent and that the negligence directly resulted in the plaintiff’s injury or harm. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must offer evidence that a reasonable doctor or medical care provider under the same circumstances would have acted differently or that an accepted standard of medical care was not met. The plaintiff must also prove that the breach of care was the direct cause of the injury or harm suffered. This means that it must be proven that had the defendant followed accepted standards of care, the injury or harm would have been prevented. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the damage or injury would not have occurred without the negligence. It is important to note that in Virginia, if a plaintiff is unable to prove their case, they can still recover if the defendant has offered to settle the case out of court. The burden of proof in a medical malpractice case in Virginia is significant, and plaintiffs should ensure they have enough evidence to prove their case before proceeding with a claim.

Related FAQs

What do I need to know about the burden of proof in a medical malpractice case?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts