Odenton, MD Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional harms their patient by committing an act or omission that deviates from acceptable norms of practice. Accordingly, medical malpractice can occur in several different forms. Further, victims of medical malpractice can sustain devastating injuries.

If you were injured as the result of medical malpractice, then you may be able to recover financial compensation. There are several types of damages that may be compensated. However, the path to payment can be difficult without help from competent legal representation. The defendant in your case may utilize various strategies to defeat your claim.

Seek support from our experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras by calling (410) 694-7291 to review your potential lawsuit for free.

Who Can File a Lawsuit for Medical Malpractice in Odenton, MD?

As previously mentioned, medical malpractice is defined as a negligent act or omission committed by a medical professional that does not adhere to accepted standards of practice and causes harm to their patient. Therefore, there are multiple key elements that you must satisfy in order for your medical malpractice case to prevail.

First, you must prove that the defendant in your case violated the applicable “standard of care.” Simply put, you must demonstrate that the treatment administered by your healthcare professional strayed from the treatment that typically would have been provided by other doctors with similar training and experience under comparable circumstances.

Second, you must show that you suffered an injury as a result of the defendant’s negligent act or omission. It is not enough to simply establish that your doctor acted negligently. Rather, you must show that their negligence is the cause of the harm you suffered.

Finally, you must demonstrate that your injuries led to actual damages. For example, your medical malpractice injuries can cause you to sustain further medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering. There are several forms of evidence that may be used to establish damages in your case. Thankfully, our experienced medical malpractice lawyers are prepared to collect evidence on your behalf.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Case in Odenton, MD

The deadlines for filing specific types of lawsuits are set forth by states’ statutes of limitations. In Maryland, the time window for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is governed by Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-109. Typically, you will have to bring your claim to court within five years of the date of your injury or within three years of the discovery of your injury, whichever comes first. Failure to file your case on time could cause you to miss out on crucial monetary damages.

Despite potentially having years to file your medical malpractice case, you should begin working on your lawsuit as soon as possible. Important evidence needed to support your case can become hard to preserve and gather over time. As an example, important documents can become lost and pertinent details surrounding your case may be forgotten. The sooner you begin building your claim, the more efficient the evidence collection process may be.

In addition to filing your case on time, there are multiple other conditions that must be satisfied when brining your medical malpractice lawsuit to court. For instance, you will need to file in the correct jurisdiction, attach any necessary supporting documents, pay required filing fees, serve defendants, and ensure that you are filing a complete claim. If any of these requirements are not properly adhered to, then you may have to file your case again. By attempting to file early, you may afford yourself time to file your lawsuit again if required.

Common Injuries Suffered by Victims of Medical Malpractice in Odenton, MD

Injuries caused by medical malpractice can be very serious. The following are all examples of common injuries sustained by victims of medical malpractice in Odenton:

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is a common injury related to medical malpractice. It often results from surgical errors, such as accidental cuts or trauma to nerves during surgery or improper administration of anesthesia. For instance, a patient undergoing surgery may experience nerve damage if a surgeon mistakenly severs a nerve or applies excessive pressure on a nerve.

Organ Damage

Victims of medical malpractice can also incur organ damage. Organ damage can happen during surgical procedures, especially those involving the abdomen. If a surgeon inadvertently punctures or perforates an organ, then their patient may suffer severe complications.

Infection

Infections can result from various forms of medical malpractice, including inadequate sterilization of instruments, improper handling of catheters or intravenous lines, or failure to follow proper hygiene protocols. For instance, a patient may develop a hospital-acquired infection if healthcare providers do not follow appropriate sanitation practices.

Pressure Ulcers

Patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. These injuries, also referred to as bedsores, are regularly suffered by those staying in hospitals and nursing homes. Pressure ulcers can occur when healthcare providers neglect to reposition patients regularly, provide adequate support surfaces, or implement proper hygiene and wound care measures.

Adverse Reactions to Medication

Medication errors, such as administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, can cause harmful, adverse reactions. These reactions can range from mild allergic reactions to severe, life-threatening complications.

Injured Related to Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

If a healthcare provider misdiagnoses or delays the diagnosis of a condition, the patient may experience harm due to delayed or inappropriate treatment. For instance, a delayed cancer diagnosis can allow the disease to progress, resulting in a worsened prognosis and limited options for treatment.

Injuries Related to Anesthesia Complications

Finally, victims of medical malpractice can also suffer a wide range of injuries related to anesthesia complications. Such complications can include respiratory distress, allergic reactions, nerve damage, or even brain damage.

If You Need Help with Your Medical Malpractice Case in Odenton, MD, Call Our Law Firm Today

If you were hurt because your healthcare professional committed medical malpractice in Odenton, get help from our experienced medical malpractice lawyers by calling Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.