Medical Malpractice Attorney In Catonsville, Maryland
Under Maryland law, medical professionals are expected to provide a level of care that is consistent with the patient’s needs. Unfortunately, the negligence, carelessness or oversight of the health care expert or medical facility may result in medical complications, incapacitation, disability or even the death of a patient.
According to the National Practitioner Data Bank’s Medical Malpractice Payment Reports Data, there were 11,429 total medical malpractice reports in 2017. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, you may be eligible to seek fair compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Attorney Bradley Shepherd has the understanding, resources and wisdom to direct, support and represent clients in their medical malpractice cases. As a strategic Maryland personal injury attorney, he will assess all of the facts of your personal situation thoroughly and analyze your available legal options to seek damages. BSS Law, LLC, proudly serves clients throughout Catonsville, Columbia, Baltimore and across the state of Maryland.
Medical Malpractice In Maryland
According to Maryland law, medical malpractice can be described as the negligence of a health care professional – including a doctor, therapist, nurse, surgeon or member – or hospital. Such negligence occurs when the medical expert fails to provide adequate treatment or take proper action, thus resulting in harm or injury to a patient, deteriorating or worsening the patient’s condition.
Examples Of Common Medical Malpractice Claims
Some common examples of actions that may result in a medical malpractice claim include:
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
- Failure to treat
- Unnecessary surgery
- Failure to conduct proper testing
- Childbirth injuries
- Improper medication or dosage
- Failure to recognize symptoms
- Premature discharge
- Poor aftercare or follow-up
- Disregarding or failing to take accurate patient history
- Surgical or procedural errors
- Misreading, misinterpreting or ignoring laboratory results.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, you need to reach out to a practiced personal injury attorney immediately. Your lawyer can educate you about your possible legal options to recover damages and help file your claims within the specified time limit.
Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Maryland is three years after the claimant discovered the injuries or five years after the injury occurred.
Who Can Be Sued For Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice usually occurs due to an unfortunate combination of different factors. However, it is not only due to the doctor’s negligence or oversight in their expected duty or care. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a number of different medical professionals and entities may be held responsible for medical malpractice, including:
- The hospital or medical facility
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Hospital medical staff
- Doctors or physicians
- Therapist
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Urgent care centers
A seasoned Maryland medical malpractice attorney can help identify the liable party, establish liability and help file multiple claims if necessary.
Expert Medical Testimony Required In Maryland
In Maryland, medical malpractice victims must file an expert medical testimony or certificate within 90 days of filing their medical malpractice claims. The certificate must indicate that:
- The defendant (medical professional) failed to meet the accepted medical standards of care when diagnosing or treating the claimant (patient)
- The defendant’s failure caused the claimant’s injuries.
However, your claims may be dismissed if you fail to file the expert medical certificate. A loyal attorney can guide you through the claims process, help prove negligence, and establish liability.
Basic Elements Of A Claim
In order to establish a medical malpractice claim in Maryland, the claimant must prove the following elements:
- There was a doctor-patient relationship
- The doctor or medical professional was negligent
- The doctor or health care expert deviated from the accepted medical standard of care
- The negligence or deviation caused your injury or medical complication
- The injury caused damages such as physical pain, additional medical expenses, mental anguish, reduced productivity or missed time at work
A trusted attorney can help prove liability and attempt to recover fair financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Damages Available
The following damages may be recovered by filing a medical malpractice claim in Maryland:
Economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Ambulance costs
- Medical accessories
- In-home care expenses
- Loss of future earning capacity
Noneconomic damages:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical and mental pain and suffering.
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages: Punitive damages to further punish the negligent medical professional for their malicious act or egregious mistake.
However, a damage cap exists on noneconomic damages that may be recovered for medical malpractice claims in Maryland. As set by the Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code section 3-2A-09, claimants are allowed to recover $860,000 for lawsuits filed in 2022. The limit increases by $15,000 for each subsequent year.
How Legal Counsel Can Help
The negligence or omission of health care professionals or medical facilities can result in serious medical complications, harm or injuries to patients and their loved ones. Thankfully, Maryland laws allow victims of medical negligence or medical malpractice to seek fair compensation for their injuries. A strategic personal injury attorney can battle to protect your legal rights and help pursue deserved financial compensation.
BSS Law, LLC, enjoys providing proficient legal services and advocating for the best interests of medical malpractice victims. Attorney Bradley Shepherd will advocate for your best interests, help hold the negligent party responsible and attempt to seek fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages or losses.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, contact BSS Law, LLC, today at 443-998-9450 to schedule an easy case evaluation. Attorney Bradley Shepherd has the guidance, support and compassionate representation you need in your medical malpractice claims. The firm is proud to serve clients throughout Catonsville, Columbia, Baltimore and across the state of Maryland.