Medical Mistake? Here's what you need to know.

March 29, 2012, by Price Benowitz LLP

Every year, millions of medical procedures are performed in the United States; while the majority of these medical procedures go smoothly and without incident, mistakes can and do happen. When mistakes are the consequence of a physician or other medical professional's error and result in injury, illness, disability, or death, you and/or your loved ones may have a claim for medical malpractice and will want to consider the help of a Maryland medical malpractice attorney.

The loss or injury of a loved one takes a severe emotional toll that often results in lost wages, depression, and psychological distress. Parents, children, spouses, and partners are left reeling from the shock and pain. In addition, post-error treatment stemming from medical mistakes can be incredibly costly, draining financial resources and further destabilizing families.

It's important to understand that you may be entitled to monetary damages for past and future lost wages, emotional suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, and medical bills in excess of the original treatment. While those responsible for the error will often pay for medical expenses, these payments fail to address the emotional pain for which you have a right to seek compensation.

A Maryland personal injury attorney qualified in litigating medical malpractice claims can help you navigate these situations. By filing a timely claim on a "contingency basis" (your attorney only collects payment if he or she wins your case), you hold accountable those responsible for the fatal medical error, collect deserved compensation, and ensure that others in your situation are protected from paying the painful price of damaging or fatal medical mistakes.

Medical malpractice isn't something you expect--you tell yourself that it couldn't happen to you or your loved ones. You hope that when you or your spouse, child, or parent is under the care of medical professionals it will be the safest care possible because the professionals will follow all protocols for accuracy and well-being. Keep in mind that most procedures are safe and that numerous best-practices help to assure you of the same. In other words, you should have confidence in your health care providers. However, while we rightfully trust in our medical system to heal and make us well, practitioner negligence can alter our lives in an instant. If you believe that you have been the victim of a medical error that left you or your loved ones injured as a result, you may have legal recourse and a right to compensation.

This post was written by Price Benowitz LLP, a Washington, DC based personal injury firm. Chamille Kittles, DC personal injury attorney, is in charge of the personal practice at Price Benowitz LLP.