From traffic collisions caused by irresponsible driving to accidental falls from hazardous property conditions, negligence can lead to serious physical injuries under numerous circumstances. However, when a medical professional is reckless or careless while treating a patient, the risk of that patient sustaining catastrophic trauma is especially high. To make matters worse, filing suit against a doctor for damages can be exceptionally complex.
Guidance from a personal injury attorney can be vital to recovering financial compensation for your harm. If a healthcare provider failed to meet a reasonable standard of care and caused your harm, you should discuss your legal options with a West Hartford medical malpractice lawyer immediately. As one of the state’s top three medical malpractice firms, you can rest assured that the injury attorneys of Berkowitz Hanna have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you achieve a favorable outcome in your case. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
Connecticut state law does not hold physicians to quite the same standards when it comes to legal negligence as those applicable to others. Rather than just proving a doctor did something reckless or careless that caused a patient harm, that injured patient must additionally establish that the doctor’s misconduct breached the applicable “standard of care.” This standard is defined as actions that an equally qualified and experienced physician would have taken under the same or similar circumstances.
A court will not just take a plaintiff’s word for it that they were hurt through a violation of a standard of care, even if they have extensive and competently presented evidence proving it. As per Connecticut General Statutes §52-190a, medical malpractice plaintiffs must also conduct a “reasonable inquiry” into their prospective claim. This inquiry involves a written and signed opinion from a qualified medical expert affirming that they have valid grounds to sue based on a probable breach of the standard of care.
All documents related to this requirement generally must be filed either alongside the plaintiff’s initial complaint, although a 90-day extension may be provided in specific situations. A West Hartford medical malpractice attorney can provide vital assistance in complying with this and all other prerequisite conditions for a successful medical negligence claim.
A healthcare practitioner and/or organization that violated the standard of care may be held liable for all economic and non-economic repercussions their misconduct has caused. This includes past and future damages, such as:
There is a limited time for litigation to proceed after malpractice, making it vital to contact a medical negligence attorney in West Hartford sooner rather than later.
Even the most diligent and trustworthy care providers may have a lapse in judgment. A reckless act or decision on behalf of a medical professional can cause immense harm that is challenging to recover from in multiple contexts. Taking proactive legal action against negligent physicians can be vital to covering short-term bills and losses and maximizing long-term quality of life.
A capable West Hartford medical malpractice lawyer can provide custom-tailored guidance and support throughout your legal proceedings. Schedule a consultation by calling Berkowitz Hanna today.
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