What you can expect in a medical malpractice lawsuit

How many people die as a result of medical malpractice each year? According to a September 2013 study reported in the Journal of Patient Safety, somewhere between 210,000 and more than 400,000 patients who die in hospitals each year are associated with “preventable harm.” If you or a loved one are a victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the responsible parties or entities. Here’s what you can expect in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Medical malpractices cases are time consuming, complex and expensive. Before a case is filed, there must be a thorough review of the patient’s medical records. The records are generally reviewed by the attorneys and by medical experts. If it is determined that there has not been any malpractice or that the malpractice did not result in harm to the patient, the case will likely not proceed any farther.

However, if the medical records’ review shows that there were instances where the doctor or medical personnel did not meet the standard of care and that injury or death resulted from those actions, the case can then move forward.

In many medical malpractice cases, arbitration, mediation or negotiation is used to resolve the case. This can result in a very positive outcome. There are times, though, when a case must go in front of a jury in order for the patient or his or her survivors to have a good chance at receiving the compensation that is deserved.

Each medical malpractice case must be handled by experienced, knowledgeable attorneys. We invite you to learn more at our medical malpractice webpage.

Source: Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., “Medical Malpractice Lawsuits in New Haven” Aug. 26, 2014