Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Medical malpractice lawsuits can be difficult to understand. Get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about medical malpractice lawsuits and claims, to arm yourself with the knowledge you need.

What is a medical malpractice lawsuit?

A medical malpractice lawsuit is a lawsuit against a medical professional that has acted negligently towards their patients care, resulting in illness, injury, or death to the patient.

Are medical malpractice lawsuits common?

Surprisingly, medical malpractice suits occur far more often than people realize. An estimated 100,000 people per year die due to medical malpractice according to a study performed by Harvard. That number does not even include the illnesses and injuries that occur from medical malpractice.

What types of problems are eligible for a medical malpractice lawsuit?

There are many different examples of medical malpractice that can result in a case for a lawsuit. These include, but are not limited to, misdiagnosis of a condition, failure to diagnose a condition, errors with medications, errors occurring during surgery, physical abuse of the patient, and much, much more.

Who is eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit?

Any person that has suffered at the hands of medical malpractice is eligible for filing a lawsuit. In the event of the death of a family member due to medical malpractice, a wrongful death claim should be filed instead. If you are the parent of a child that has been the victim of medical malpractice, you also qualify to file the lawsuit on your child's behalf.

Do I need an attorney to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, or can I represent myself?

It is always best to hire an attorney that specializes in medical malpractice lawsuit cases, because they are skilled in the legalities of the field. A medical malpractice attorney can ensure that your rights are completely protected, and that you are fully compensated according to the law.