Are You a Victim of Medical Malpractice? What to do First

The Journal of the American Medical Association tells us that medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in our country, trailing just behind heart disease and cancer. And while this should be enough to put any potential patient on guard, there is not a widespread understanding among ordinary citizens of how to protect against medical malpractice or pursue legal action once it happens. The first step toward finding justice is to arm yourself with the right knowledge and get a clear understanding of your case.

What is Medical Malpractice?

This legal term describes any case in which a healthcare provider causes harm to a patient by deviating from an established standard of care. Think of it as medical negligence — a situation in which a doctor fails to fulfill their duties to the standards demanded by their profession. That said, just because a given medical procedure did not go according to plan, it does not necessarily constitute medical malpractice.

The Numbers

One of the reasons it is so important to find a quality attorney in medical malpractice cases is that winning these cases can be difficult. In reality, only 15% of personal injury cases are medical malpractice, and only one out of five of those result in a substantial payout. So, even if medical malpractice can be proven, the question of whether or not litigation is a good idea always remains.

What to Know?

The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is three years. This means those who wish to file claims of this nature need to bring their case before a court within three years of the incident or they will not be allowed to prosecute. Because of how long and complex such cases can be, it is wise to speak with a qualified lawyer as soon as possible if you think you are a victim.

Getting in touch with the best medical malpractice lawyers Albuquerque has to offer is the best way to ensure you find the outcome you are looking for in your medical malpractice case. If you’re hurt, call Bert at (505) 268-6500 for a free initial consultation.