Unfortunately, medical malpractice is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, according to a 2016 Johns Hopkins study. If you or someone close to you has been injured by a negligent medical professional, you should reach out to a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At Arfaa Law Group, we understand this area of the law and can apply our knowledge to your case.
A new study, entitled Patients’ Experiences with Communication-and-Resolution Programs After Medical Injury, conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients who have suffered an injury due to medical malpractice feel better when medical staff, particularly the physician who made the mistake, listen attentively to what they have to say about the experience.
The interview study of 40 patients, family members, and hospital staff revealed that patients have a strong need to be heard after a medical injury that is often unmet. Patients also wanted to know what the hospital or medical facility was doing to make sure the same error does not harm other patients. While 18 of 30 patient and family participants reported positive experiences with communication-and-resolution programs overall and continued to receive care at the hospital, they said hospitals seldom communicated information about efforts to prevent recurrences.
In Maryland, medical malpractice takes place when a medical professional is negligent in treating a patient. When a medical professional fails to act in accordance with accepted standards of practice in the diagnosis or treatment of a condition, that medical professional may be liable for all of the damages that result. Medical professionals may include a doctor, nurse, therapist, hospital staff, or other medical practitioner. In order to prove medical malpractice, the injured patient must establish the following points: i) the medical professional owed the patient a duty of care; ii) the medical professional breached the duty of care owed to the patient; and iii) the medical professional’s breach was a direct and proximate cause of the patient’s injuries.
If malpractice is established, a plaintiff may be able to receive a variety of damages. Some examples of these damages include medical bills, lost wages, permanent impairments, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering, as well as any other losses stemming from the malpractice. Each case is different, and the damages in each case will depend on the specific facts of the case. It is important to be aware that you can get your damages through a settlement, but if your case cannot be settled before trial, you will need to go to court.
If you or a loved one has suffered a medical injury due to a medical professional’s error, you need to get a skilled Baltimore medical negligence attorney on your side. At Arfaa Law Group, we can help you navigate every step of the legal process. You can trust that we will vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries so that you can move on with your life. For more information about your legal rights and options, feel free to call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.
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