Who’s Liable For Medical Malpractice?

If you’ve been injured due to medical malpractice in Washington D.C., you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You only have a limited time to file a claim. Here’s what you need to know about medical malpractice in the District of Columbia:

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to provide the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. The standard of care is what a reasonable healthcare professional would do in the same situation.

To prove medical malpractice, you must show that:
– The healthcare professional owed you a duty of care.
– The healthcare professional breached their duty of care _by deviating from the accepted standard of care_.
– The breach of duty caused your injuries.
– You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

There are many different types of medical malpractice. Some of the most common include:

  • Misdiagnosis
  • Delayed diagnosis
  • Surgical errors
  • Medication errors
  • Birth injuries
  • If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to speak to an experienced DC medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can guide you through the legal process.

    DC Medical Malpractice Lawyer: A Guide for Victims of Medical Negligence

    Who Can File a Medical Malpractice Claim?

    Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. Victims of medical negligence have the legal right to seek compensation for their injuries by filing a medical malpractice claim.

    Elements of a Medical Malpractice Case

    To establish a medical malpractice case, four elements must be proven:

    1. Duty of care: The healthcare professional owed a duty of care to the patient.
    2. Breach of duty: The healthcare professional breached the duty of care by deviating from the accepted standard of care.
    3. Causation: The breach of duty caused the patient’s injuries.
    4. Damages: The patient suffered compensable damages as a result of the injuries.

    Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims

    In the District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is three years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. This means that a patient has three years to file a lawsuit after they become aware of the injury, even if they did not know it was caused by medical negligence.

    Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases

    Victims of medical malpractice can recover a variety of damages, including:

    • Medical expenses
    • Lost wages
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Loss of consortium

    Contact a DC Medical Malpractice Lawyer

    If you have been injured due to medical negligence, it is important to contact a DC medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you assess your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and guide you through the legal process.

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