When we go to the doctor, we expect to be healed, not harmed. If you were misdiagnosed or if a medical error left you in worse condition than before the procedure, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. An experienced Hackensack, NJ, medical malpractice lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Medical malpractice happens more often than people think, although proving a claim may be difficult. Healthcare facilities are loathe to admit that an error has reached the level of malpractice, counting on the fact that many people don’t fully understand their rights. That’s where we come in. The legal team at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. works with patients and their families to understand their rights to file a malpractice suit and fight for a fair settlement. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Can A Hackensack Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help Me?
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers are human; they can make mistakes, and unfortunately, the patient and their family pay the price. When a medical error could have been avoided with the proper care and attention or if a healthcare provider fails to deliver the accepted standard of treatment for a patient, then this error rises to the level of malpractice. In these cases, the person providing treatment may have legal liability for any damages suffered by the patient.
Medical misdiagnosis is one of the most common types of malpractice. A doctor may fail to order the right test to properly diagnose you, which could cause a delay in treatment that impacts the effectiveness of treatment or limits your treatment options. Or, perhaps, you were diagnosed with a condition you don’t have. You could be subject to painful and invasive treatments unnecessarily.
We Hold All Liable Parties Accountable For The Harm They Cause
Our attorneys don’t just seek to hold the individual medical care provider accountable for harm. Other defendants in a medical malpractice case can include the facility where you received treatment, like a hospital or clinic. These facilities have a duty of care to ensure that all employees provide the accepted standard of medical care expected for their respective positions. Any deviation from these standards that results in harm to a patient may be considered malpractice.
If the healthcare facility fails to provide proper oversight, we will hold it liable, too. Failure to adequately discipline and supervise doctors, nurses, and other health aides often leads to poor patient care and malpractice.
Compassionate Help For Medical Malpractice Victims
When you’re suffering from harm caused by a medical error or misdiagnosis, facing the legal system can feel overwhelming. However, you don’t have to pursue justice alone. Let the attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., guide you through filing your claim, properly valuing your case, and negotiating a settlement to provide the means for healing and caring for your family. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Hackensack medical malpractice lawyer.
Helpful Insight Into Medical Malpractice
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice, it’s crucial to act swiftly by contacting a Hackensack, NJ medical malpractice lawyer. When families seek medical treatment, they trust healthcare providers to offer safe, effective care. Unfortunately, sometimes this trust is broken due to errors that could—and should—have been avoided. These errors can have devastating consequences, not just on the health of the patient, but on their emotional well-being and financial stability as well. In such cases, legal recourse through a medical malpractice claim may be the appropriate step.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care in their field, leading to patient harm. This can manifest in various forms, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and failure to monitor a patient’s condition. To establish a claim, one must demonstrate that the care provider acted negligently and that this negligence directly caused harm.
Establishing Negligence In Healthcare
Establishing negligence involves more than showing that an error occurred. We must prove that the healthcare provider’s actions were not consistent with the generally accepted practices of their medical peers. This often involves detailed investigation and the testimony of medical experts who can speak to what a competent healthcare provider would have done under similar circumstances.
For instance, consider a situation where a crucial symptom was overlooked, leading to a delayed cancer diagnosis. Here, demonstrating how a timely diagnosis could have altered the treatment approach underscores the seriousness of the oversight.
Seeking Just Compensation
When negligence is proven, the next step is to determine the extent of the damages. These can include actual medical expenses, both past and future, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, and loss of life quality. In tragic cases, damages may also cover the loss of companionship and funeral expenses.
Our approach at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. focuses on ensuring that clients receive full and fair compensation. Hackensack medical malpractice lawyers meticulously gather and present evidence that clearly communicates the breadth of the impact on our client’s life. This comprehensive preparation is vital in negotiating with insurance companies or, if necessary, presenting the case in court.
Legal Support Throughout The Process
With decades of experience under our belt, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to confront a medical establishment after experiencing malpractice. Our firm stands with our clients every step of the way, offering guidance and support. From the initial consultation through the resolution of the case, a Hackensack medical malpractice lawyer is dedicated to making the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Legal time limits, known as statutes of limitations, can restrict the time frame within which you can file a claim. Starting the conversation early ensures that all necessary evidence is preserved and that your claim is filed within these critical deadlines. We invite you to reach out to us at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. Let’s discuss your situation and explore how we can help secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Together, we can work to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Key Steps To Take If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
A Hackensack, NJ medical malpractice lawyer understands that the aftermath of these horrible situations can feel overwhelming. However, taking the right steps early on can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. Let’s go through some of the most important actions you should consider if you believe you’ve experienced medical malpractice.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First and foremost, your health and safety are the priority. If the care you received caused harm, it’s essential to seek immediate treatment from another healthcare provider. Not only will this help address any complications, but it also creates a documented record of your condition following the incident. Make sure the new doctor is aware of what happened, but avoid giving too many details about any potential legal actions at this stage. Your primary focus should be on your recovery.
Document Everything
Keep a thorough record of everything related to your case. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, test results, and any other documentation linked to your care. If you notice inconsistencies in your medical records or treatments, make note of them. According to Hackensack medical malpractice lawyer, this documentation is vital in establishing a timeline and proving any errors in the treatment you received. Be sure to save all communication with your healthcare providers, as it could be useful later.
Request A Copy Of Your Medical Records
One of the first steps we should take together is to request a complete copy of your medical records. This will give us a clear view of the treatments and decisions made regarding your health. These records are critical in reviewing whether the care you receive meets the standard expected in the medical community. Don’t delay in getting these records, as they can help clarify the situation early on.
Avoid Contact With Insurance Companies Without Legal Guidance
Insurance companies may reach out to you soon after an incident, often offering a settlement. We recommend not speaking with them until you’ve sought legal advice. While it may seem like a quick resolution, settlements offered without legal counsel might not cover all your future expenses. Any statement made to an insurance representative can also impact your case down the road.
Get A Second Medical Opinion
We always suggest getting a second opinion from a trusted healthcare provider. This independent evaluation can help confirm whether medical malpractice occurred. If the new physician finds that the treatment you received was below standard, their professional perspective may support your case. In addition, a second opinion provides further evidence of your condition and helps in planning your recovery.
Call To Action
If you believe that you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice, our experienced team at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. is here to help you understand your options and guide you toward the best outcome. Don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact a Hackensack medical malpractice lawyer today, and together, we’ll take the necessary steps to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Let’s make sure you get the justice and care you deserve!