Doctors are highly trained professionals, but even the most experienced medical practitioner can make honest mistakes. However, some errors are caused by negligence so severe it rises to the level of malpractice that can potentially leave patients with life-changing personal injuries. Below are answers to a few common questions about medical malpractice.

Answers to Common Questions About Medical Malpractice

Can any negative outcome lead to a malpractice claim?

The medical field is complex, so positive results are never guaranteed, even for relatively simple procedures. To prove negligence, your personal injury attorney will have to show that your health care provider made a mistake another doctor with similar training wouldn’t have.

Who can be liable for medical malpractice?

Any health care worker responsible for a patient’s care can be guilty of medical malpractice. This includes doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, and nurses. Hospitals and clinics that hire and manage a health care staff may also be held liable for damages, depending on whether the individual responsible was an employee or an independent contractor.

How do you prove medical malpractice?

To establish malpractice, you must demonstrate that you suffered additional injuries that required additional treatment or caused your initial medical condition to worsen. Your attorney will also have to show that your health care worker made an egregious error that directly caused your injuries. This often involves collecting testimony from medical experts and a thorough review of your medical records.

What damages are available in medical malpractice cases?

A personal injury settlement for medical malpractice should include compensation for any additional medical care you needed in the past as well as any future treatments. You may also be entitled to recover any wages you’ve lost as a result of your injuries, including future earnings if you’re temporarily or permanently disabled.

Along with your monetary losses, your award should also cover noneconomic damages such as trauma, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment in your daily activities. In especially severe cases, your attorney may demand punitive damages, which are intended to punish the liable party and are not tied to your actual losses.

If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice in Hamden, CT, or the surrounding areas, Steven P. Ciardiello, Esq., PC can help you achieve justice. They understand how life-changing these injuries can be and will do everything possible to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Visit their website for more on their personal injury services, or call (203) 248-8000 to schedule a consultation today.