Legal Rights and Remedies for Victims of Medical Malpractice in Baltimore
According to the Maryland State Department of Health, medical errors causing death or serious injury in Maryland hospitals have doubled since 2020, with over 800 cases reported in 2022 alone.
Legal Rights of Medical Malpractice Victims
Victims of medical malpractice in Baltimore are entitled to seek compensation for a range of damages that arise from the negligent actions of healthcare providers. The primary types of compensation available to victims include:Economic Damages
Economic damages include medical expenses for treatment, rehabilitation, and any necessary future care. Additionally, victims can claim compensation for lost wages if the malpractice affected their ability to work, as well as any loss of earning capacity if the injury has a long-term impact on their career.Non-Economic Damages
Beyond the tangible costs, victims can also claim non-economic damages for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the malpractice. These damages address the more personal and subjective impact of the injury, such as:- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain endured due to negligence
Punitive Damages
In cases where the healthcare provider’s actions are particularly reckless or egregious, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.In Baltimore, victims must file their claim within the Maryland statute of limitations, typically within five years of the malpractice or three years from when the injury was discovered, whichever comes first. Acting within this timeframe is important to preserving your right to seek compensation.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Medical Malpractice
If you think you might be a victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Taking the right steps can make a big difference in your health and your case. Here’s what you should do:- Get medical attention right away: Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. This not only makes sure you’re okay but also creates a record of what happened, which could be important later.
- Keep all your documents: Start collecting and organizing everything related to your case—medical records, prescriptions, treatment plans, and any notes or emails with your healthcare providers. Having all this information will help show how the malpractice affected you.
- Don’t talk about the case in public: Be careful about who you talk to about what happened. Only discuss the details with your attorney. Anything you say to doctors, insurance companies, or even online could be used against you. It’s better to keep things private until you have legal advice.
- Talk to a medical malpractice lawyer: Medical malpractice cases can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to get help from a medical malpractice attorney in Baltimore who knows what they’re doing. They can guide you through the process, explain your options, and deal with the insurance companies and doctors for you. This way, you can focus on getting better while they handle the legalities.
Conclusion
Dealing with the fallout from medical malpractice can be really stressful, but if you think you’ve been a victim of a medical error, seek medical attention, keep thorough records, and consult with a knowledgeable attorney. These steps can make it easier to get the justice and compensation you need.Do You Need An Attorney?
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Posted - 08/16/2024
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