Baltimore Doctor Error Lawyer
People see doctors when they are injured or ill and they trust that the medical professional will take great care of them. Although most doctors throughout Baltimore do provide the highest standard of care, that is not always the case. Sometimes, doctors make mistakes and when they do, patients suffer serious harm as a result. If you have been hurt due to doctor error, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. It is important to speak to a Baltimore doctor error lawyer that can advise on the validity of your claim.
Common Doctor Errors
Doctors can make a number of different mistakes when treating patients, but some are more common than others. These are as follows:
- Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis: When doctors do not diagnose patients with the correct condition right away, the illness can become worse. In some cases, a delayed diagnosis may result in the patient not receiving the treatment they otherwise would have if they knew about the condition earlier. A misdiagnosis occurs when the doctor does make a diagnosis, but it is incorrect. When this occurs, the patient will not receive the treatment they need but they may also be subject to treatment that is unnecessary.
- Medication errors: There are a number of different medication mistakes doctors make. They may prescribe a patient a medication they are allergic to, or they may prescribe an incorrect dose. In hospital settings, doctors may administer a drug to the wrong patient.
- Childbirth injuries: Childbirth injuries can hurt both a mother and her unborn child. Common doctor errors in these situations occur when doctors use excessive force, do not use tools such as forceps properly, or when they order an unnecessary C-section for a woman. Sadly, these are just a few of the most common childbirth injuries.
- Surgical errors: Some of the most common surgical errors include leaving instruments inside a patient, operating on the wrong body part, or failing to provide the necessary post-operative care.
When is a Doctor’s Error Medical Malpractice?
It is important to understand that not all doctor’s errors constitute medical malpractice. Doctors often have to use a trial and error approach when diagnosing and treating certain conditions. As a result, some mistakes may be made that do not give rise to a legal claim.
To prove medical malpractice occurred, you must show the doctor was negligent in providing the proper care. This means you must establish that another reasonable doctor would have acted differently in the same situation. In Maryland, you must also obtain the testimony of another doctor in the same specialty as the defendant. The expert witness must attest to the fact that the defendant did not provide the acceptable standard of care.
What should I do if I believe my doctor made a mistake in my treatment?
If you suspect that a doctor’s error has caused you harm, seek medical attention from another healthcare provider to correct or mitigate the mistake. Request copies of your medical records, which can provide valuable evidence for your claim. Avoid discussing the case with the doctor or hospital until you consult a Baltimore doctor error lawyer. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine if you have a valid medical malpractice claim.
How can I prove that a doctor’s mistake was medical malpractice?
To establish medical malpractice, you must show that the doctor failed to meet the standard of care expected in their field. This involves proving that another competent doctor in the same specialty would have acted differently under the same circumstances. Maryland law requires testimony from a qualified medical expert who can confirm that the doctor’s actions fell below the accepted medical standard. A Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer can gather the necessary evidence and expert opinions to support your claim.
What compensation can I recover in a doctor error lawsuit?
Victims of doctor errors may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care related to the injury. In severe cases, damages may also include loss of earning capacity and emotional distress. Maryland law places caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, so it’s important to work with a skilled Baltimore doctor error attorney to maximize your compensation.
Our Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Baltimore Can Provide the Sound Legal Advice You Need
If you have suffered from a doctor’s error, our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers can advise on whether you have a legal claim. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our skilled attorneys have the necessary resources to determine if you were a victim of malpractice and will reach out to our network of experts to prove your case. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
