Seattle Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice involves a medical professional providing a level of care, diagnosis or treatment which is below the accepted standard. This involves a failure to act reasonably and per accepted medical standards and may involve negligence, an error or intentional wrongdoing. Medical malpractice can result in serious injury, illness or even death.

What are some types of medical malpractice?

Some common forms of medical malpractice include: birth injuries, medication errors, surgical errors, failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, pharmacy errors, dental malpractice, cosmetic surgery malpractice, medical errors, and anesthesia malpractice.

Is medical malpractice a common occurrence?

Unfortunately, yes. Medical malpractice, mistakes and errors continue to cause injury and even death throughout the U.S. every day. According to Harvard studies, it is estimated that approximately 98,000 patients die due to medical malpractice every year. Countless more injuries and illnesses occur, with medication errors topping the list of the most common type of medical malpractice.

Is there a time limit for filing a medical malpractice claim?

Yes. Every state has a different time limit on filing a medical malpractice claim, called a statute of limitations. If you do not file a claim within this time period, you will be unable to take legal action against the medical professional responsible for your injuries. This is why it is so important to consult a Seattle malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

What types of damages can I recover for my claim?

With the help of an attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for: medical expenses, continued medical care, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, lost wages and lost future earning potential.

What do I have to prove in my medical malpractice case?

You need to prove three basic elements to win a medical malpractice claim:

• The medical professional failed to act reasonably or in accordance with established standards.
• The patient suffered injury, illness or death.
• The medical professional’s negligence caused the injury, illness or death.

Contact a Seattle medical malpractice lawyer at our firm regarding your claim!