Q: What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse or technician treats a patient in a manner which departs from a standard of care provided by those with similar training and experience, resulting in injury, ailment or death.
Q: Can misdiagnosis be considered malpractice?
Yes! In fact, misdiagnosis is one of the primary reasons why medical malpractice cases are filed. A patient can suffer significant injuries or even death when a doctor fails to properly diagnose an injury or ailment, delays diagnosis or fails to provide any diagnosis at all.
Q: What is “informed consent”?
Informed consent refers to the consent a patient gives to the doctor to proceed with a medical procedure based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of such procedure.
Q: What is a statute of limitations?
A statute of limitations refers to the period of time during which a potential medical malpractice victim can initiate a lawsuit. Depending on the state and the procedure in question, this period can start from the time at which the malpractice occurs or alternatively, from the time which the victim discovers that malpractice was the cause of his or her injury. Determining the exact period of statute of limitations can be complex depending on your particular circumstance so it is important to consult a qualified medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to protect and maximize your interests.
