5 Signs You Should Call a Surgical Error Lawyer in Baltimore ASAP
1. You've Been Offered a Settlement
Sometimes the fact that you've experienced a surgical error
is indisputable. In these cases, you may be offered a settlement. However, that
doesn't mean the settlement will actually cover the full extent of your
damages. You should always contact an attorney after being offered a
settlement, as your attorney can evaluate the settlement against what they
believe you may be entitled to based on your situation.
2. The Hospital Won't Accept Liability
Sometimes hospitals don't want to tarnish their good
reputation by getting mixed up in a medical malpractice case. They may do
several things to try and avoid accepting liability. They might say your
illness or injury was caused by something else, they could claim you attended a
different hospital, or they might claim you were warned about this potential error
occurring even though you weren't.
3. The Error Left You Disabled
Some surgical errors can leave you with a lifelong
disability or a long-term health condition. Situations like these can
complicate the case, and you may be entitled to a very large sum to cover your
future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, lost
earning potential, and much more. Consulting an attorney to see what kind of
compensation you can win in your case is vital.
4. Your Condition Is Worsening
If you've already been compensated for a surgical error, but
your condition is worsening even though the case is closed, then you should get
back in contact with your attorney. You may be able to reopen your case and win
further compensation. Whether or not you can reopen your case depends on a few
factors, such as if the statute of limitations has run out yet. The statute of
limitations on medical malpractice cases is three years.
5. You Receive a Late Diagnosis
Late diagnosis is another area of medical malpractice, but
sometimes this is classed as a surgical error. Let's say you underwent a
procedure where, if performed correctly, the surgeon would've noticed you have
a severe medical condition that impacts one of your organs. A few years later,
you're diagnosed with this condition by a different, more competent physician.
What Can I Be Compensated for in a Medical Malpractice Case?
Some of the things you can win compensation for are already
listed above, such as pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and future
lost income. You can also be compensated for any income you've already missed
out on while taking time off work while injured/ill. Your medical expenses
associated with your treatment and hospital stay at the time the error occurred
will also be covered.
You should start working with an attorney from the moment
you realize you've experienced a surgical error. Contacting an attorney if
you're experiencing any of the situations above is even more vital. Working
with an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure all your damages are
covered after experiencing medical negligence.
