According to Nurse.org, medical professions are among the most trusted in America. 81% of Americans trust nurses, while 67% trust medical doctors. These statistics make nurses and doctors the most trusted professionals.
And yet, these professionals often make critical errors in their work. A 2018 CNBC report showed that medical errors were the third-leading cause of death in America.
Many citizens of Houston, Texas, experience this type of medical malpractice without realizing there’s a way to get compensation. All you have to do is file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
However, not anybody can file these lawsuits. Read on to learn who you can trust to file these lawsuits!
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
The first thing to determine is whether you’re a victim of medical malpractice. But the only way to learn this is to understand what constitutes malpractice.
Texas law considers the following sufficient grounds for medical malpractice:
- Treatment that caused harm or death to a patient
- Lack of treatment that caused harm or death to a patient
- Departures from accepted standards of medical care
These terms may seem abstract, but some examples can clear them up. First, let’s say you went to a doctor with a cough, and the doctor diagnosed you with a cold. But, a week later, you discover you actually have a dangerous pneumonia case.
In this instance, the doctor provided a misdiagnosis that led to harm. That constitutes a case of medical malpractice.
The key component of a medical malpractice case is a healthcare professional’s negligence. You may have a case if a doctor did anything that resulted in harm because of negligence.
Who Can File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Texas law allows the injured party to bring forward their lawsuit. However, there are some restrictions involved.
First, you must ensure that you bring your lawsuit within the appropriate statute of limitations. It may help to hire a lawyer who can explain what the statute of limitations is for your case.
Other restrictions apply to age demographics. For example, a minor who is 12 or under has until their 14th birthday to bring forward a malpractice charge.
Finally, you cannot receive compensation for your case if you bear 51% or more of the blame for your injury. For example, you cannot bring a lawsuit if your injury resulted from ignoring a doctor’s directions.
Consider Having a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Texas law also allows you to sign your power of attorney to a medical malpractice attorney. This practice is often the best way to achieve positive results.
When you hire an attorney, you receive access to a reputable professional who understands the law. As such, they have the expertise to ensure you receive adequate compensation. They can also determine whether you have a solid case in court.
Hire Us for Your Medical Malpractice Case
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a challenge for anybody. Recovering from medical malpractice alone can be difficult and stressful. The recovery process only worsens when you have to go to court.
That’s why it’s best for a medical malpractice lawyer to cover the case for you. To that end, consider working with us!
We offer expert medical malpractice attorneys to clients across Houston. We combine modern technology and legal experience with hard work and diligence to get positive results.
If that sounds encouraging, take the next step. Schedule a free case review with us today!