Columbia Medical Malpractice Lawyer

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What is Medical Malpractice? 

Medical malpractice can be defined as any act or omission by a healthcare professional that deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes injury or harm to a patient. In other words, it’s when a doctor, nurse, technician, or any other medical professional does something wrong that results in injury to the patient. 

The consequences of medical malpractice can be devastating. Patients can suffer physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses, and even death. If you or someone you love has been injured due to medical negligence, it is crucial to seek legal help immediately.

What is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is a legal term that describes the process by which a patient agrees to a proposed medical treatment. It’s more than just signing a form or checking a box. Informed consent requires that the patient be fully aware of the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment, as well as any alternatives. The doctor must also explain the risks and benefits in a way that the patient can understand. 

If something goes wrong during surgery or another medical procedure, and it can be shown that the patient did not give informed consent, then the doctor may be held liable for medical malpractice.

Types of Medical Malpractice Claims We Handle

Medical malpractice is a legal term for when a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional does not provide an appropriate level of care to a patient. This can lead to severe injury or even death in some cases.

At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we know that these cases are often complex and require the expertise of an experienced medical malpractice attorney. That’s why we specialize in medical malpractice cases involving doctors and other medical professionals in Columbia. Some of the common types of medical malpractice claims we handle include: 

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis can occur in many ways. Sometimes, a doctor will misdiagnose a patient because they are unfamiliar with the patient’s medical history. Other times, a doctor may overlook critical symptoms that could lead to a correct diagnosis. And sadly, sometimes, doctors will even fabricate evidence to support their misdiagnosis. If you or a loved one has been the victim of misdiagnosis, it is essential to speak with our experienced medical malpractice lawyers as soon as possible.

Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most common medical malpractice claims we handle is a delayed diagnosis. This can happen when a doctor fails to order or interpret diagnostic tests correctly. It can also occur when a doctor doesn’t perform necessary tests that could have led to a quicker diagnosis. This can result in long-term damage or even death.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are one of the most common types of medical malpractice claims. If you’ve been injured because of a surgical error, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. Some surgical errors that may lead to a malpractice claim include operating on the wrong body part, performing surgery on the wrong patient, leaving surgical tools inside the patient’s body, incorrectly administering anesthesia, and failing to monitor the patient during and after surgery properly.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can occur when medical professionals do not take the necessary precautions to protect the baby or when they provide negligent care. Some birth injuries can be minor, such as a bruise or cut, while others can be more severe and cause lifelong damage. If your child was injured at birth due to the negligence of a doctor or other medical professional, you might be able to file a medical malpractice claim. At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we handle a wide range of birth injury cases and are committed to helping injured families get the compensation they deserve.

Emergency Room Errors

One of the most common types of medical malpractice claims is emergency room errors. Emergency rooms are often overcrowded and understaffed, which can lead to mistakes being made. Some of the most common emergency room errors include medication mistakes, delayed treatment, and improper discharge.

Failure to Get Informed Consent

One of the most common types of medical malpractice claims is when a doctor or other healthcare professional fails to get informed consent from the patient. This means that the doctor did not explain all of the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment and then proceeded with it without the patient’s consent. This type of claim can often be challenging to prove, as the doctor will likely argue that they did discuss the risks and benefits with the patient. However, if you can provide evidence that suggests you did not give consent- such as a witness who can attest to the conversation or documentation from the doctor’s office- you may have a strong case.

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to medical malpractice, it’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have years of experience handling medical malpractice claims and are standing by to help you. Our Columbia medical malpractice attorneys can help you understand if you have a claim and guide you through the process. Contact our Columbia, MO, medical malpractice lawyers for a free case evaluation.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Medical Malpractice Claim in Columbia?

Medical malpractice can cause a wide range of physical and emotional damages. If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice in Columbia, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim and recover compensation for your losses. Some of the types of damages you may be able to recover in a medical malpractice claim in Columbia include:

Medical Bills

Medical bills are one of the most common types of damages sought in medical malpractice claims. This includes the cost of medical treatment before and after the injury and any future medical expenses related to the injury.

Pain and Suffering

Victims of medical malpractice in Columbia can recover damages for their pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is one of the most common types of damages awarded in a personal injury case. It includes not only the physical pain that you have endured but also the emotional distress that you have suffered. You can recover damages for both the past and future pain and suffering that you will experience. In some cases, you may also be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering of your loved ones.

Lost Income

One of the most common types of damages in a medical malpractice claim is lost income. This can include both past and future income that you have lost as a result of the malpractice. There are specific guidelines that need to be followed to calculate this type of damage, and you will likely need the help of an experienced attorney to ensure you receive the total amount you deserve.

Loss of Consortium

This refers to the damage done to the relationship between the victim and their spouse or partner. This type of damage can be challenging to quantify but can often be very significant. It can include the inability to have physical relations, the inability to share in everyday activities, and the emotional trauma caused by the injury.

Wrongful Death

If you’ve lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is a legal action that can be brought by the deceased person’s estate against the individual or organization responsible for their death. This claim is intended to provide financial compensation for the losses suffered as a result of the death, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income.

Medical malpractice is a severe issue in Columbia. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Contact a Columbia medical malpractice attorney at our law office to learn more about the damages you may be able to recover.

How Do You Know You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim?

We rely on doctors to diagnose and treat us when we’re not feeling well. However, doctors often make mistakes when treating patients in Missouri. If you feel like your doctor has wronged you, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. To have a medical malpractice claim in Missouri, you must be able to prove four things. These include:

A Doctor-Patient Relationship Existed

To have a valid medical malpractice case, you must first prove that you had a doctor-patient relationship with the healthcare professional who caused your injury. This can be difficult since it often requires producing evidence such as medical records and testimony from other healthcare professionals.

The Doctor Breached the Duty of Care

The doctor-patient relationship is one of trust. Patients rely on their doctors to provide competent care and treat them with respect and compassion. In turn, doctors are entrusted with their patients’ health and well-being. This relationship is governed by a set of legal duties that both the doctor and patient owe to each other. The most important duty is the duty of care. This duty requires the doctor to provide competent care that meets the standard of care in the community. If the doctor breaches this duty, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

The Breach of Duty of Care Caused Your Injuries

This can be difficult to do, as many injuries or illnesses may not be immediately apparent. 

You Suffered Damages because of the Injury

One of the key factors in determining if you have a medical malpractice case is whether or not you suffered damages due to the injury. This could be physical, emotional, or financial damages. Some common damages that are claimed in medical malpractice cases include pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, medical expenses, and physical impairment.

If you have been injured as a result of a medical procedure, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. Speak to our Columbia medical malpractice lawyers to help you assess your situation and determine if you have a case.

Why Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured because of a mistake made by your doctor, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Medical malpractice can occur in a number of ways, from incorrect diagnoses to botched surgeries. No matter what the cause, if you’ve been injured as a result, you need to speak to a lawyer. 

Medical malpractice cases can be complex and require extensive legal knowledge and experience. That’s where a medical malpractice lawyer comes in. They can help you file your case, represent you in court, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Columbia Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s essential to contact a Columbia medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Medical malpractice is when a doctor or another healthcare professional makes a mistake that results in injury or death. These types of cases can be complex and involve a lot of paperwork, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. 

The lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have several years of experience helping victims of medical malpractice in Columbia get the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations. Contact our Columbia medical malpractice lawyers today by calling 816-888-8888 to schedule a free consultation.