Published by Arfaa Law Group
Doctors undergo years of training and education to ensure that they possess the knowledge and skills needed to provide their patients with competent care. Despite this fact, doctors can commit errors in judgment that cause their patients to suffer lifelong harm. Fortunately, Maryland law permits patients injured by negligent medical care to pursue medical malpractice claims against their doctors, and patients that successfully establish liability may be awarded significant damages. While compensation alone cannot make up for the loss of a person’s health, it can validate the significance of their losses and help them obtain the resources needed to move forward in their lives. This was illustrated recently when a Maryland jury awarded a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case $5 million for harm suffered at the hands of her doctor. If you suffered injuries due to incompetent medical care, you have the right to pursue claims against your doctor, and you should speak with a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.
The Plaintiff’s Harm
It is alleged that the plaintiff sought treatment from the defendant in 2014 for abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues. At their initial visit, she advised the defendant of her symptoms and that she had a family history of pancreatic cancer. The defendant, a gastroenterologist, recommended that the plaintiff undergo a diagnostic procedure that involved using a scope that was inserted through the mouth to examine the pancreas, liver, and other parts of the digestive system.
It is reported that the plaintiff consented to the procedure, but shortly after it was completed, she began to experience severe abdominal pain and visited the emergency department of a hospital. She was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which was deemed a result of the test. She subsequently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant, alleging in part that she was hospitalized for almost a year and now has to take medication every time she eats to allow her body to break down her food. She further asserted that the defendant failed to obtain her informed consent in that he neglected to advise her that pancreatitis was a risk of the procedure.
The Jury’s Verdict
The case proceeded to trial and the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $5 million in damages. The plaintiff’s attorney was pleased with the outcome, noting that it validated his client’s losses and was well reasoned, noting that the jury delved through a great deal of medical literature and statistics to reach its verdict.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Maryland Attorney About Your Potential Claims
When the course of care prescribed by a doctor harms, rather than helps, their patient, the repercussions can be devastating. If you were hurt by a negligent physician, you may be able to recover compensation in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your possible causes of action. The knowledgeable Maryland attorneys of Arfaa Law Group take pride in helping people harmed by careless doctors in the pursuit of damages, and if we represent you, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. You can contact us through our online form or by calling us at (410) 889-1850 to set up a conference.