Medical professionals are expected to meet certain standards of care for their patients, which include properly assessing symptoms, diagnosing ailments, and treating conditions. However, there are instances when a health care provider does not meet the accepted standards of care, and in doing so may commit medical malpractice.
Medical negligence can occur in any healthcare setting, from a doctor’s office to an ambulance to a mental health clinic. If you suffered an injury while under medical care, a professional Chattanooga medical malpractice lawyer could help review your case to determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Read on to learn more about how a skilled injury attorney could offer you their assistance today.
Medical malpractice is generally defined as any act or omission by a physician during the treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.
It is important to understand that a negligence lawsuit for medical malpractice does not imply that a doctor is incompetent or cannot perform their job. Rather, a medical malpractice lawsuit alleges that at a particular time and place, a doctor or other medical professional did not meet the standards and expectations of an equivalent medical professional in the same field. Examples of possible medical malpractice can include:
A dedicated lawyer could assist in fighting for one’s deserved injury compensation in Chattanooga after suffering from one of the above medical negligence acts.
While medical malpractice lawsuits are a form of injury lawsuit, they also have several unique requirements. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 29-26-121(a), the plaintiff in a medical negligence lawsuit must file a notice to the health care provider being accused of malpractice at least sixty days prior to filing a complaint with the court. In addition, anyone filing a malpractice lawsuit must also file a certificate of good faith. This requires an outside health care professional to provide a signed written statement asserting that they are competent to express a judgment of physician malpractice and that they believe the claimant has a good faith basis on which to file a lawsuit.
Medical malpractice cases can be devastating personally, physically, and financially. When a doctor in Chattanooga acts negligently instead of in accordance with the acceptable medical standards, an experienced attorney may be able to help injured patients or the families of these patients to recover compensation for:
While medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses are examples of economic damages, one’s non-economic damages include the intangible pain, suffering, and loss of companionship someone feels as a result of this negligence. A weathered local lawyer may be able to assist patients in calculating these qualitative damages by using their experience gained in court.
If you suffered an injury because a doctor or other medical professional failed to provide you with appropriate care, do not hesitate to turn to the guidance of a Chattanooga medical malpractice lawyer to assist with bringing your case. Medical malpractice claims are incredibly complicated lawsuits that require professional testimony, diligent investigation, and aggressive litigation. A member of our firm could guide you and your family through this complex legal process to help you work towards your deserved compensation. Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation.
