The Law Offices of Chaikin and Sherman, P.C.
Toll Free - 800.229.8384
Phone - 202.659.8600
Fax - 202.659.8680
Common Medical Malpractice Questions
Washington, D.C., Virginia, & Maryland
- What is medical malpractice or medical negligence?
- Can I file a medical negligence lawsuit any time after I have been harmed?
- If I have signed a consent form can I still file a medical negligence lawsuit?
- How long will it take to settle my medical negligence claim?
- What are some situations that would warrant a medical negligence claim?
- Why should I get a medical negligence lawyer?
What is medical malpractice or medical negligence?
A doctor, nurse, hospital, dentist, hospital worker, technician, or any other professional healthcare provider failure to perform standard duties like those with similar training or experience, resulting in harm to one or more patients, can be medical malpractice or medical negligence.
Many unfortunate patients file medical malpractice suits based on negligence. If you are harmed as a result of a healthcare provider failing to provide medical services at the standard of care required, then you may have a medical negligence case.
Medical negligence definitions and standards vary from state to state. In order to find out if you have a good medical negligence case and what specific limitations or definitions that Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia have, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. to schedule a free medical negligence consultation.
Can I file a medical negligence lawsuit any time after I have been harmed?
No. Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland all have statutes of limitations that determine how much time you have to file a lawsuit.
In order to find out what the statute of limitations is in your state, contact an experienced medical negligence lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. During your free consultation they will not only help determine if you have a good case or not, but also inform you of how much time you have to file your case.
If I have signed a consent form can I still file a medical negligence lawsuit?
Yes. Just because you signed a form allowing a healthcare provider to treat you, does not mean that they can commit medical malpractice. Even though a consent form usually states risks that are associated with the treatment, it does not allow the doctor to deviate from the standard of care expected.
How long will it take to settle my medical negligence claim?
It is hard to say how long it will take to settle your claim. Most claims, including medical negligence claims, are settled before they go to trial. The most important thing is that you recover from the medical negligence. Sometimes a claim takes many months or years to be settled, other times it's settled rather quickly. An experienced lawyer will give you an idea how long the process will take.
If you believe you have a medical negligence case, contact the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. They will work with you during your free consultation to determine if you have a good case and what steps you need to take to file a claim correctly.
What are some situations that would warrant a medical negligence claim?
Medical malpractice lawsuits or claims can be filed on the basis of:
- Misdiagnosis - failure to properly diagnose medical conditions, or failure to do so in a timely manner, is one of the most common medical malpractice claims.
- Failure to Provide Informed Consent - If the doctor or healthcare provider fails to provide you with consent forms that state the risks associated with a drug or procedure, it can be grounds for a medical negligence case.
- Negligent Procedures - It is uncommon for a doctor or other healthcare provider to make a mistake during a procedure, however, if this mistake results in an injury to you, it is grounds for a medical negligence claim.
- Prescribing the Wrong Drug - If your healthcare provider prescribes the wrong drug, it could cause serious injury.
Why should I get a medical malpractice lawyer?
If you are hurt as a result of a healthcare provider, it is your right to be compensated for not only current, but also future medical bills. Also, you deserve to be compensated for any pain, inconvenience, loss of work, suffering, or grief that you have experienced as a result of medical negligence.
When you file a medical negligence claim, an insurance adjuster will represent the healthcare provider. Their job is to provide you with as little compensation as possible. An insurance adjuster works for their insurance company, and will work hard to save the insurance company as much money as possible. This is why you need a medical negligence lawyer who will work to protect your interests.
A medical negligence lawyer will work with the insurance adjuster in order to determine the most appropriate amount of compensation. Without a lawyer, however, the insurance adjuster could take advantage of you, and prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
If you believe you or a relative has been harmed as a result of medical negligence or medical malpractice, contact our Washington DC medical malpractice attorneys at the Law Offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for a free consultation. During your consultation, an experienced medical negligence lawyer will evaluate your case. The lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. work on a contingency basis, this means that you do not have to pay them unless you are compensated for your injuries.
