Just because a medical procedure doesn’t go as planned doesn’t necessarily mean you were the victim of malpractice. If you have reason to believe your doctor made a mistake, however, that’s another story.
When the people you trust with your life provide substandard care, it’s only natural to feel alone. Who can you turn to, after all, if you can’t even trust your own doctor?
Fortunately, there is at least one party who will always be in your corner, and that’s a personal injury attorney. A compassionate and seasoned lawyer can help you build a case against the negligent provider, so you can hopefully hold them financially accountable.
If you’re wondering what doing so entails, read on. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about filing a medical malpractice claim:
1. How Do You Prove Your Medical Team Made a Mistake?
When putting together your claim, the strongest evidence of liability is going to depend on the mistake in question that caused your complications. Generally speaking, though, you should be prepared to present medical records and statements from various members of your care team.
You’ll probably need testimony from relevant specialists, as well. If your doctor misdiagnosed a heart attack, for example, your legal team will want to consult a cardiologist who can speak on the oversight and what damages will result from the misdiagnosis.
2. How Can You Support Your Legal Team’s Efforts During the Proceedings?
As soon as you enlist legal help, you can hand over the reins and focus on your recovery while your claim proceeds in good hands. There are still a few ways you can support your attorney’s efforts, however. Examples include laying low on social media, following all the medical advice your new doctor gives you, and referring any correspondence from the opposing party to your lawyer.
Depending on the circumstances, your attorney can provide additional, more specific strategies for bolstering your case once it’s underway.
3. How Long Do You Have to File a Suit Against a Health Care Provider?
If the liable party refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may have to file a formal lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve. In South Carolina, victims of medical malpractice typically have three years to proceed to court. For actions against government entities, however, this deadline is reduced to two years. There are quite a few additional factors that can provide exceptions to this deadline, however, so it’s wise to call a lawyer as soon as you have reasons to suspect your doctor made a mistake that caused you harm.
Speak with a South Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you think you were the victim of medical malpractice, you deserve justice. For help determining how best to proceed, turn to Hodge & Langley Law Firm. Our team has more than 50 years of collective experience in the legal field, and we have what it takes to go up against even the largest health care institutions. To schedule a free initial consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in South Carolina, call 864-585-3873 or fill out the Contact Form on our website.