Medical errors are one of the most common causes of death and serious injury in our country. These mistakes can be costly, both in terms of money and in the lives of those who have been harmed. Fortunately, a Washington medical malpractice advocate can help victims and their families get the justice they deserve.
Malpractice is when a healthcare professional fails to perform his or her duties in accordance with the accepted standards of care. When these standards are breached, an injured patient can file a malpractice claim against the doctor or hospital. In order to win a medical malpractice case, the victim needs to demonstrate that a health care provider failed to meet the standard of care for his or her profession and that those breaches were a direct cause of the injury or illness.
Despite the reputation of doctors as highly respected professionals, it is important to remember that they are human and make mistakes. Many of these mistakes, however, could have been prevented if the physician had acted more carefully or had considered alternatives to his or her course of treatment. A patient’s best chance of proving malpractice is to work with a skilled attorney who can help gather evidence and build a strong case.
When it comes to pursuing compensation for medical malpractice, a Seattle personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your outcome. The first step is to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations. In Washington, this time limit is three years from the date on which you reasonably discovered that your medical provider’s negligence caused you to suffer an injury or illness.
Once the initial paperwork has been filed, you can begin to collect and preserve evidence in your case. This includes writing down everything that happened, including dates and conversations, and getting a second medical evaluation from an independent doctor. It is also a good idea to report any incidents to the medical board and Department of Health. This creates an official record and helps the plaintiff’s attorney to determine whether the injuries were caused by malpractice.
Founded in 1993, Forsberg & Umlauf PS defends physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, chiropractors, pharmacists, and other health care providers against medical malpractice claims. The firm handles cases involving misdiagnosis, defective medical equipment, emergency room and prescription errors, lack of informed consent, wrongful death, and HIPAA violations.
Founder Chris Thayer is an experienced trial attorney who fights for the rights of patients and their families in Washington medical malpractice cases. He has represented clients in wrongful death and survival actions seeking damages for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. He is also skilled at handling car accident and injury cases. He is dedicated to providing compassionate representation for his clients. His office is located in Seattle, Washington. Contact him by phone or email for a free consultation. He accepts payment through credit card, debit card, and check.