No one travels to see a doctor or other medical professional hoping that their symptoms will worsen, or that they will be injured or die as a result.
Unfortunately though, this scenario is all too common; a 2013 literature review published in the Journal of Patient Safety estimates that, based on four studies, between 210,000 and 400,000 people die each year as a result of preventable harm in hospitals, which would make medical errors the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., below cancer and heart disease.
Our attorneys recognize that it is only human nature to make mistakes. But when these errors lead to further costly medical bills or even death, we will advocate on behalf of the affected party and their family to secure adequate compensation in New York. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Medical Malpractice Can Occur in Many Ways
One of the most well-known types of medical malpractice is that of surgical errors, as horror stories have circulated in the media centering on patients whose limbs were operated on incorrectly, or whose doctors left foreign surgical tools inside them. Beyond this though, there are many other ways that malpractice can occur.
Some common types of medical malpractice include:
- infections acquired while at a hospital or in the care of a medical professional;
- medication errors made by a physician, nurse, or other personnel;
- anesthesia errors made by the anesthesiologist;
- cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or other birth injuries sustained during birth;
- misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses; or
- air embolism (air bubbles in blood), which can be caused by mistakes made during surgery.
Ultimately, any mistakes made by a medical professional that a reasonable medical professional would not have made in the similar circumstances, may provide the basis for a medical malpractice case.
Statute of Limitations in Medical Malpractice Cases
In New York, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two-and-a-half years. This may seem like a long time to file a case, but waiting until the last moment may create hassles and may make it more difficult to recover evidence. Quick action is the best way to ensure that you are compensated for the additional injuries you received.
Seek Help in New York from Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Few doctors may ever wish to own up to negligence and medical malpractice, and it is in the best interest of their insurance providers to deny any claims in order to avoid making payments. Because of this, it is imperative that anyone injured at the hands of a medical professional seek the help of legal counsel when filing a medical malpractice claim.
In New York, the medical malpractice lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. represent clients who were hurt by medical errors, and can help pursue fair payment for the injuries or illnesses sustained as a result of medical negligence. Feel free to contact us today at 800-550-0000 or via our contact form.
