It can be a very bitter pill to swallow, but medical malpractice happens almost every day. The last thing a patient expects when visiting the doctor is for them to make a mistake during treatment. However, when it does occur, the victim may have a reason to file a lawsuit against the treating physician, which claims damages for suffering. Below are five relevant facts to know if a victim is considering calling a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Upper Marlboro MD.
Settlements are Getting Smaller
According to information from a recent study, the average medical malpractice settlement payment dropped by more than 36% from 2003 to 2013. That means that if a client has suffered the same as someone in a similar situation, his or her payout could be a lot less. Only a medical malpractice attorney can help to maximize the victim’s chances of a fair settlement.
A Victim Doesn’t Have to be Hurt to Get a Settlement
The most common reason for a medical malpractice suit occurs when a patient is injured due to a physician’s negligence. However, a victim could have a reason for a lawsuit if a physician’s promise was not kept. For example, If a doctor tells a patient that they will have a one-week recovery time and it takes several months to heal, the patient could claim malpractice to get payment for any pain and suffering or lost wages.
The Doctor Has the Final Word in a Medical Malpractice Settlement
Unlike a settlement from an insurance company after a slip and fall or auto accident, in a medical malpractice case, a defendant must approve the settlement amount before the case can be resolved. This is done because the settlement directly affects the cost of the physician’s malpractice insurance.
Settlements are Often Capped
There’s no limit to the amount an attorney can win in a medical malpractice case as far as compensatory damages like medical bills and lost wages are concerned. However, according to state law, non-economic damage settlements must be capped at a certain amount.
If a victim believes they have a reason for a claim they can call a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Upper Marlboro MD today to discuss their case, or they can visit the firm online to find more information.
