Everyone who works as a medical professional, including doctors, nurses, and technicians of all kinds, has a legal responsibility to meet a certain “standard of care” with their patients. Any healthcare practitioner who does not fulfill this obligation and causes avoidable harm to a patient may be considered legally negligent and held financially accountable for all harm that patient suffers.
You can reach out to a trustworthy personal injury attorney to discuss your potential claim. But medical negligence claims can be tricky and not every unfortunate outcome may be grounds for a lawsuit. If you want to effectively pursue legal action against a reckless or careless medical professional, your first step is to retain a Dunwoody medical malpractice lawyer.
What Counts as Medical Malpractice in Dunwoody?
In the context of medical malpractice litigation, the “standard of care” is the level of care and skill that a defendant should have demonstrated based on what an equally competent physician would have done under similar circumstances. If a doctor violates this standard with a patient, and that patient suffers harm because of that violation, those facts could serve as grounds for civil litigation over medical malpractice.
Importantly, the extent and nature of this “standard” can change dramatically from person to person, based on their specific job duties and the environment in which they work. For example, emergency room surgeons must still adhere to a standard of care, but their hectic working conditions may grant them more legal leeway for small errors compared to a primary care physician working in a private practice.
A Dunwoody medical negligence lawyer has the resources to evaluate a person’s claim and determine if there is enough evidence to make a claim for compensation. Malpractice can occur in multiple ways, including surgical errors, birth injuries, misdiagnosis, pharmacy errors, and negligence involving the development or diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Damages Available For Medical Negligence Claims
As with any other personal injury claim, a plaintiff can recover the financial losses they experienced after the incident, as well as be compensated for their psychological or emotional experiences. A Dunwoody medical malpractice lawyer can work with a person to come up with a list of compensable damages, which may include:
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses
- Future medical expenses, such as for spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Psychological trauma
The average person might not know that they can request damages for more than just their hospital bills. That is why it is crucial to work with a legal professional who knows how these claims work and can find the evidence that will support the lawsuit.
Seek Help From a Dunwoody Medical Malpractice Attorney
It is never straightforward to file suit over the harm caused by an irresponsible doctor or other medical professional. It is especially difficult if you try to pursue your claim without first seeking representation from a Dunwoody medical malpractice lawyer.
The experienced team at Childers, Schlueter & Smith can assist you with all your legal needs, and represent you in court or in front of the defendant’s insurance company. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn if you might have a case.
