Chattanooga Medical Malpractice Attorney
Fighting For Those Who Have Been Injured By Medical Professionals in Tennessee
When you pursue medical care, you trust healthcare professionals to deliver the highest standard of treatment. Unfortunately, negligence or errors can occur, leading to serious harm or injury. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical professional's failure to meet the required standard of care, it is essential to understand your legal rights and options. Our Chattanooga medical malpractice attorneys are here to provide the support you need during this challenging time.
Call Pritchard Injury Firm today at (470) 577-8152 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our medical malpractice lawyer in Chattanooga.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to provide appropriate care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. This breach of duty can involve various types of medical professionals, which includes doctors, nurses, and specialists. To establish a medical malpractice claim, the following elements need to be demonstrated:
- Duty of Care: The healthcare provider had a duty to deliver care to the patient.
- Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the patient's injury.
- Damages: The patient suffered harm as a result.
Medical malpractice cases can be complex, often requiring thorough investigation and expert testimony to establish that negligence occurred.
Common Injuries in Medical Malpractice
Common injuries include:
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, like operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the patient, can lead to severe complications and the need for further surgery.
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to diagnose a condition accurately or promptly can prevent patients from receiving essential treatment, resulting in the progression of the disease and potentially severe consequences.
- Medication Errors: Incorrect dosages, administering the wrong medication, or failing to consider drug interactions can lead to serious health issues or even death.
- Birth Injuries: Medical negligence during childbirth can result in injuries to the mother or child, including cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or other life-altering conditions.
- Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes made during anesthesia administration can cause severe complications, including brain damage or death.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Medical Malpractice Claim?
Common damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past and forthcoming medical costs that are related to the injury, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover lost income and future earnings if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims of medical malpractice often endure significant physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the effect on the victim's quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If the injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be able to claim damages for loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious negligence, punitive damages could be granted to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar manners in the future.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Chattanooga Today
If you or a loved one has suffered because of medical negligence, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. Medical malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, which differ by state. Our Chattanooga medical malpractice attorneys are ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn more about how we can assist you.
Contact Pritchard Injury Firm today to get started with our Chattanooga medical malpractice attorney.