September is Sepsis Awareness Month, according to the nonprofit Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis is a condition in which the body overreacts to an infection, causing further, sometimes fatal, complications. In the United States, there are … [Read more...] about Ohio Sepsis Lawsuits: Can you Sue?
Medical Malpractice in Ohio
When you or a loved one needs medical treatment, you expect medical professionals to use their expertise and experience to treat your illnesses and injuries and put you back on the path to good health. But when a healthcare professional or organization betrays that trust, you may find yourself far worse off than you started. Medical errors can prolong illness or injury, worsen existing conditions, and even cause new harm.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical providers, like most others, are responsible for harm caused by their negligence. For example, a medical provider may be liable for damages if a physician negligently fails to diagnose a condition in a timely manner, leading to worsening of the condition or limitation of treatment options.
Other common types of medical negligence include surgical errors such as leaving an object in the body or failing to monitor the patient post-surgery. These errors may lead to complications, ranging from extra days in the hospital or additional medical treatment to lifelong injury or even death.
Pursuing Compensation after Medical Malpractice
Unfortunately, Ohio victims of medical malpractice face some serious obstacles. Although a medical malpractice claim is a negligence claim much like a car accident or slip and fall claim, Ohio law creates additional obstacles for those injured by healthcare providers.
One of the most significant is the requirement that a medical malpractice filing be accompanied by an affidavit from a qualified expert witness. In theory, this is a screening tool to prevent the filing of unwarranted medical malpractice claims. But it also acts as a barrier for injured patients who may not know how to find a qualified expert or may be unable to pay the expert’s fees.
Other complications include additional notice requirements, a complicated statute of limitations that may make it difficult to know how long you have to file a malpractice case, and the need for medical experts at trial and to assist in the preparation of your case.
In view of these special requirements and considerations, it’s especially important to work with an attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice litigation, understands the process, has experience working with medical experts, and has access to those experts.
The information in this section will give you an overview of the process associated with Ohio medical malpractice claims, the special considerations, the most common types of medical malpractice, and more. When you’re ready to move forward, an experienced Ohio medical malpractice lawyer will be your best resource.
Ohio Medical Malpractice vs. Doctor Discipline: What’s the Difference?
When we visit medical professionals for help with a health issue, we expect they will provide the highest quality of care. That expectation comes from our knowledge that these professionals are highly educated and closely … [Read more...] about Ohio Medical Malpractice vs. Doctor Discipline: What’s the Difference?
Unnecessary Surgery Lawsuits: What you Need to Know
Medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States, so it’s important for doctors to recommend or perform surgery only when it’s absolutely necessary. But that’s not always what happens. Some surgeries are … [Read more...] about Unnecessary Surgery Lawsuits: What you Need to Know
Ohio Prescription Lawsuits: What Constitutes Medical Negligence?
Opioids are a common form of pain-relieving drug for Americans. However, many people who start taking these painkillers become addicted to them. Unfortunately, Ohio leads the nation as one of the top five states for opioid … [Read more...] about Ohio Prescription Lawsuits: What Constitutes Medical Negligence?
Medical Malpractice in Ohio: Statute of Limitations and Burden of Proof
In an Ohio medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff has the burden of proving the elements of medical malpractice by a preponderance of the evidence. This is the same evidentiary standard used in other civil … [Read more...] about Medical Malpractice in Ohio: Statute of Limitations and Burden of Proof
Medical Malpractice in Ohio: What Damages Can I Recover?
More than 3,000 claims for medical professional liability were closed in the state of Ohio in 2014, the most recent year for which data is available. These claims alleged that a doctor, hospital, or other medical professional or … [Read more...] about Medical Malpractice in Ohio: What Damages Can I Recover?
