Whenever you consult a medical professional, you trust them with your well-being. Medical professionals have a legal and ethical duty to uphold a higher standard of care than the average individual.

Nevertheless, medical treatment goes wrong every day. A doctor might make an incorrect diagnosis, resulting in a delay in care that worsens your condition. A nurse might accidentally administer a medication you are allergic to, causing an adverse reaction. Some medical mistakes may be harmless, but others can have serious, long-lasting consequences.

Carelessness and negligence have no place in the exam or operating rooms. If you have been injured as a result of a medical professional’s negligence, talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer today to discuss your options. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys at Narwal Injury Law could help with your case.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional violates their duty to a patient by straying from the accepted standard of care, resulting in a negative consequence. Common examples of medical malpractice include the following:

  • Misdiagnosis
  • Surgical errors or unnecessary surgery
  • Improper administration of medication
  • Failure to order or perform necessary tests
  • Birth injuries
  • Premature discharge
  • Unreasonable delay in care
  • Infection due to improper care or sanitation
  • Lack of informed consent
  • Failure to warn (e.g., describe potential side effects)
  • Use of defective medical tools or products

It is important to note that medical malpractice can happen during treatment for both physical and mental health issues. Additionally, the Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.350 provides that medical malpractice suits must be brought within three years of the act causing injury or within one year of the patient’s discovery. For this reason, claimants should contact a Redmond medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to ensure they file on time and do not miss their chance at recovery.

Liability in Medical Malpractice Cases

Any medical professional or entity can be held liable for medical malpractice, this includes the following:

  • General practitioners
  • Specialists
  • Surgeons
  • Dentists
  • Physician’s assistants
  • Nurses
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Residents
  • Hospitals
  • Private practices

Additionally, multiple parties can be held responsible for the same injury. In some cases, patients may be partially at fault for their injury. For example, they may not schedule a follow-up visit despite being told to do so or take more than the prescribed dosage of a medication. In Washington, this does not bar a claimant from recovering monetary damages. Instead, their award amount will be reduced according to the percentage of their fault.

A Redmond lawyer could investigate a claimant’s medical malpractice case to determine who may be at fault and ensure that all practical paths to compensation are pursued. They could also help interview witnesses, review medical records, and gather the other documents necessary to support and strengthen a patient’s claim.

Damages Available for Medical Malpractice

Those injured by medical malpractice can be compensated for several forms of damages, such as:

  • Current and future medical costs
  • Loss of wages
  • Diminished future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium

In cases of severe misconduct, punitive damages, meant to punish the liable party, may also be available. Washington has no cap on damages for medical malpractice claims, meaning that patients with viable claims can ask for as much money as they are reasonably owed for their injuries.

Most medical malpractice cases settle before the trial stage, but should a case go to court, a Redmond lawyer could provide the aggressive representation necessary to win.

Book a Free Consultation With a Redmond Medical Malpractice Attorney

Narwal Injury Law understands the serious ramifications that medical negligence can have on a person’s life. Rather than suffer in silence, talk to an experienced Redmond medical malpractice lawyer to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Call today to request a free case evaluation.

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(360)-859-8413

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Redmond, WA
Bellingham WA