Medical malpractice can cause immeasurable injuries to patients in Columbia, from doctors in private practice in small clinics to our large, highly ranked hospitals, MUSC Health-University Medical Center and Prisma Health Baptist. The legal cases that seek compensation for the harm done by negligent doctors call for the assistance of a Columbia medical malpractice lawyer who understands the intricate laws surrounding the medical field.
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers' distinguished reputation shows our commitment to supporting you through the complexities of a medical malpractice claim.
- Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers: Help for Columbia Medical Malpractice Victims
- Understanding Medical Malpractice in Columbia
- The Rights of Medical Malpractice Victims in South Carolina
- Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases in Columbia
- Legal Steps to Take After a Medical Malpractice Incident
- Columbia, SC, Medical Malpractice FAQs
- Contact Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers Today
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers: Help for Columbia Medical Malpractice Victims
With a solid background in medical malpractice law, Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers fights for the compensation you deserve. Medical malpractice claims can quickly become complex and demanding. With Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers on your side, however, you can feel confident about the outcome of your case.
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers has its roots in the principles of justice, integrity, and excellence. Our firm has helped hundreds of victims win lawsuits against various entities, including medical care providers. Our vast experience handling a wide array of cases has enabled us to build a rock-solid reputation of success and reliability.
Speak to a Lawyer the Same Day You Call
When dealing with medical malpractice, you do not want to wait for an attorney to get back to you. We will respond to you promptly, ensuring you feel more confident about the quality of care you receive.
Get the Legal Support You Need Affordably
Paying for legal support can feel incredibly daunting after a medical malpractice incident. You already have bills piling up and may feel unsure about what to do next.
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we aim to make legal care as affordable as possible. We start with a free case evaluation to allow you to ask questions and learn more about your rights. We then accept claims on a contingent fee basis, which means you only pay if we win.
Understanding Medical Malpractice in Columbia
Medical malpractice refers to negligence by a healthcare professional or provider in which the treatment was substandard and caused harm, injury, or death. Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor, or other healthcare professional injures a patient through a negligent act or omission. Negligence may include diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management errors.
Types of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice takes many forms, including:
- Failure to diagnose: A healthcare professional fails to diagnose your condition accurately. This can happen for diverse reasons, such as the healthcare professional not taking a thorough medical history, not ordering the proper tests, or incorrectly interpreting the test results.
- Misdiagnosis: A healthcare professional incorrectly diagnoses your condition. It may occur because the healthcare professional is unfamiliar with your medical history, does not order the right tests, or misinterprets the test results.
- Failure to treat: A healthcare professional fails to provide the necessary treatment for your condition despite correctly diagnosing it and knowing the standard of care. The healthcare professional may not understand the severity of your condition or have the knowledge to treat it.
- Medication errors: A healthcare professional makes a mistake when prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication because they misread a prescription or give the wrong medication or dosage.
- Surgical errors: A healthcare professional makes a mistake during a surgical procedure, such as operating on the wrong body part or failing to take adequate precautions while operating.
- Medical device errors: A medical device malfunctions, or a healthcare professional does not use it according to the manufacturer's instructions or fails to install the device correctly.
- Anesthesia errors: A healthcare professional makes a mistake when administering anesthesia.
- Failure to inform: A healthcare professional fails to inform you of the risks and benefits of a medical procedure or treatment. Healthcare professionals often pressure patients to accept specific treatments based on what they believe the patient needs. The healthcare professional need not wait for consent in emergencies.
To file a medical malpractice claim, you must establish several essential elements. Our lawyers will first work to show a doctor/patient relationship between you and the care provider who committed the malpractice act. We will then need to show that the care provider deviated from the standard of care expected under the circumstances. We will finally need to show that you suffered injury or damage due to the care provider's negligence.
The Rights of Medical Malpractice Victims in South Carolina
Understanding your legal rights in Columbia is crucial if you or a loved one falls victim to medical malpractice. Victims can seek compensation for the injuries and damages suffered due to the healthcare provider's negligence.
Under the law, victims of medical malpractice may file a lawsuit against the negligent healthcare provider, including the right to seek compensation for physical and emotional harm; financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost income; and other related damages.
Eligibility and the Claims Process
To file a claim, you must demonstrate that your healthcare provider's negligence directly caused your injury. This involves gathering evidence, filing a lawsuit, negotiating, and possibly preparing for a trial. This complex process requires legal knowledge to navigate successfully.
The Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of a medical malpractice incident to file a claim. Some exceptions may exist, such as circumstances under which you did not know about the impact of medical malpractice until later.
The Importance of a Medical Malpractice Attorney
Medical malpractice cases require knowledge of the medical and legal fields. Experienced attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of medical procedures, laws, and standards of care, which are essential to building a solid case. They can explain your rights, gather and analyze documents and evidence, identify medical experts, and represent you in court.
Without an experienced attorney, you may struggle to figure out what to do next or get the compensation you deserve.
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys understand medical malpractice cases. We know the emotional trauma and financial stress victims and their families go through. Our team dedicates itself to seeking justice by meticulously investigating your case, providing knowledgeable legal advice, and fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases in Columbia
In medical malpractice cases, your potential compensation falls into three categories: economic damages, covering financial losses such as medical expenses and lost income; noneconomic damages for subjective losses, such as pain and suffering; and, in certain extreme cases, punitive damages to punish the medical practitioner's negligent conduct.
A lawyer can analyze your losses and decide the best steps to take.
Factors Influencing Your Compensation
Several factors influence the compensation in medical malpractice cases, including the severity of your injury, the effect of the injury on your life and whether it is permanent or temporary, past and future medical costs, and lost earning potential.
Legal Steps to Take After a Medical Malpractice Incident
When you suspect you have suffered injuries from medical malpractice, you must quickly take steps to protect your rights.
Seek Legal Advice Immediately
If you suspect medical malpractice, seek legal advice immediately. The statute of limitations may affect your right to compensation. Early legal consultation helps ensure you don't miss critical deadlines.
Report the Malpractice
Reporting medical malpractice typically involves notifying the concerned medical professional or institution about the incident, filing a formal complaint with the local medical board, and preparing for possible legal proceedings. Our lawyers can do this for you.
Gather Evidence
Evidence forms the backbone of a successful medical malpractice case. Compile medical records, secure witness statements, get expert medical opinions, and document impacts on your life. At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we work diligently to build a strong case for you.
Columbia, SC, Medical Malpractice FAQs
What Are the Signs I Have Suffered Medical Malpractice at the Hands of My Care Provider?
Signs of medical malpractice include any deviation from the standard of care you may reasonably expect from a medical care provider. If you suffer injuries under your doctor's care, for example, if they prescribe the wrong treatment or fail to treat a condition, causing your symptoms to worsen, you may file a medical malpractice claim.
To file a medical malpractice claim, you may need to show that you had a doctor/patient relationship with the care provider who failed to exercise adequate care.
What Should I Do If I Believe I Suffered Medical Malpractice in Columbia?
Contact a lawyer immediately if you believe you suffered medical malpractice in Columbia. A lawyer can advise you and give you a better idea of what compensation you may deserve for your injuries and losses.
You may also want to do the following:
- Seek a second opinion about your care, especially in cases of failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, or failure to treat.
- Document your care provider's negligent actions, including the impact you feel they have had on you.
- Keep track of any unnecessary medical treatments and their cost.
- Secure your medical records so you or someone else does not delete or lose them.
As you work with Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, you can feel confident about the overall outcome of your medical malpractice claim, including the steps you need to take to protect yourself.
Do I Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer to Help Me File a Claim in Columbia?
Medical malpractice claims can be complicated. To secure the compensation you deserve, choose a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and provide information about fair compensation.
Contact Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers Today
If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice in Columbia, do not hesitate to contact us. Our Columbia personal injury attorneys can provide a preliminary assessment and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us at (803) 500-3454 or via our online contact form for a free consultation about your rights.
