When a patient seeks care from a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, they expect competent evaluation and treatment. Unfortunately, those we trust with our medical needs sometimes fail us, with devastating consequences. When the unthinkable happens, a Bridgeport medical malpractice lawyer could help you get justice.
If a medical mistake or instance of neglect has caused you to suffer harm, an experienced attorney from the Claggett, Sykes & Garza could help you pursue a claim against the person or institution that provided substandard care. Our Bridgeport personal injury lawyer, who handles these cases, could advocate for the financial compensation you deserve.
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Common Instances of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the expected standard of care, resulting in an injury or illness.
Common situations where medical errors or negligence can harm a patient include the following:
- Medication errors, such as administering the wrong medication
- Prescription errors, including prescribing inappropriate or ineffective drugs or incorrect dosages
- Inadequate monitoring of a patient’s response to treatment
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a medical condition
- Surgical errors or unnecessary surgeries
It’s important to note that not every medical error constitutes malpractice. Consulting with our knowledgeable Bridgeport medical malpractice attorney can help you determine if your situation qualifies as a case of medical negligence.
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Establishing Negligence
In order to prove medical negligence, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a reasonable duty of care and breached that duty. They must also show that the breach caused the injury and that it led to damages.
People, in general, should exhibit the same level of care that a “reasonable person” would exercise in similar circumstances. However, medical professionals who are responsible for the care and safety of those in their care are held to a different standard than what is required of non-professionals.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers must exercise a level of care that matches that of other professionals in their field and locality. If you are in Bridgeport, CT, and suffered harm after receiving substandard medical care, a Bridgeport medical malpractice lawyer from the Claggett, Sykes & Garza can evaluate your case.
What Is a Certificate of Good Faith?
All claimants pursuing medical malpractice damages must follow certain procedures before a Connecticut court will hear their claim. A “certificate of good faith” is one of these prerequisites. The certificate is to show that the plaintiff or their attorney inquired into the quality of the care received and found it to be inadequate.
A licensed physician must complete a sworn statement that outlines the alleged signs of malpractice in your situation. Simply put, the doctor must affirm that your claim is valid and that medical negligence may have taken place.
Doctors may be hesitant about completing this step since they could face financial repercussions if their statements are deemed false. An attorney from our law firm could help you obtain a certificate of good faith and move forward with your medical malpractice claim.
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Pursuing Compensation for Medical Malpractice in Bridgeport
Along with the letter from a doctor, you must also submit your own written statement that you have reviewed the care in question and believe it failed to meet the prevailing standard. A doctor must also sign this statement.
Establishing Damages in a Medical Malpractice Case
After proving that a healthcare provider did not meet the standard of care, the plaintiff must demonstrate that this negligence resulted in actual, verifiable damages directly caused by the defendant’s act or omission.
Damages may encompass medical treatment costs, both current and future, if the plaintiff requires ongoing care due to the malpractice. Lost income can also be recovered.
Fortunately, Connecticut has no cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. If the plaintiff can provide compelling evidence of pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or other subjective losses, they may be awarded any amount that a jury deems appropriate.
A local attorney from our team can help you gather the necessary evidence to present the extent of your injuries to the jury.
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Connecticut Time Limit for Medical Malpractice Claims
The time plaintiffs have to file a lawsuit in a particular situation is called a statute of limitations, and these time limits vary from state to state. In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is two years per Connecticut General Statutes §52-584.
If a plaintiff fails to file before the deadline, they could lose the opportunity to seek damages. Since medical complications do not always manifest immediately, the law allows for certain exceptions. For example, if a medical complication caused by malpractice becomes evident after the standard two years has lapsed, the court may grant a one-year extension.
Whether you are still within the two-year limit or need an extension, a medical malpractice lawyer in Bridgeport could help you file the necessary paperwork.
Every case is unique and the law in this area is complicated. It can be possible to bring a medical malpractice action years after the event occurred. You must consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney about your case.
Consult With a Bridgeport Medical Malpractice Attorney
Facing the aftermath of a medical mistake can be overwhelming. However, a Bridgeport medical malpractice attorney can help you hold the negligent medical provider accountable for their actions. Our lawyers handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay anything upfront.
If you’ve suffered harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, our medical malpractice lawyer in Bridgeport is here for you. We are open 24 hours a day and are ready to evaluate your case.
Contact the Claggett, Sykes & Garza now for a free consultation.
