If you are considering pursuing a medical malpractice claim in Charleston, West Virginia, Washington, DC, or another nearby region, contact James F. Humphreys & Associates today to arrange a free consultation.
Charleston Office:
United Center, Suite 800
500 Virginia Street East
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
Telephone: (304) 553-0457
Fax: (304) 347-5055
Toll Free: (866) 804-3235
Washington, DC Office:
1200 New Hampshire Ave
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 448-9629
Fax: (202) 223-3595
Toll Free: (866) 804-3235
Medical Malpractice in Charleston, West Virginia
When one receives medical attention from a health care professional, the last thing one expects is further injury or substandard treatment. Surprisingly, recent studies have revealed that medical malpractice is far more widespread than one might think. Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional does not exercise a reasonable standard of care. If it can be proven that a patient was injured due to improper actions or negligent inaction, the care provider can be held liable for medical malpractice. Our Charleston, West Virginia firm can help victims of medical malpractice or medical negligence understand and protect their rights.
Medical Malpractice Compensation
If you or your loved one has been severely injured due to the actions or inaction of a medical professional, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Punitive damages may be assessed if the defendant displayed wanton misconduct. West Virginia statutes of limitation require that medical malpractice claims be filed within two years of discovering an injury or within ten years of death. Retain lawyers with the expertise and resources to pursue your medical malpractice case to resolution. Contact our Charleston, West Virginia firm today!
Common Types of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can take many forms. Some of the most common include failure to diagnose a condition in a timely manner or misdiagnosis, surgical errors, delivery errors leading to birth injury, and medication errors.
Failure to Diagnose / Misdiagnosis
Doctors may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose a disease or injury. In these circumstances, patients are deprived of timely and accurate treatment and their chance of recovery can be greatly reduced. Patients may face increased medical bills, lost wages, and other financial damages as well.
Surgical Errors
Surgeons can make critical mistakes during procedures, some examples include: operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments in the body, or performing the wrong procedure altogether. Surgical errors can be extremely detrimental to the patient’s health, and this type of medical malpractice may even result in wrongful death.
Birth Injury
Obstetricians can fail to recognize potential birth complications or monitor fetal distress signs, causing serious injury to the baby, mother, or both. Medical malpractice during delivery can have lasting effects on the entire family and may require costly medical and rehabilitative care for years to come.
Medication Errors
Pharmacists can incorrectly dispense or label medication. Doctors may provide incorrect prescriptions or fail to consider potential interactions between two or more medications. Nursing home caregivers may also intentionally overmedicate residents as a way to sedate them. Unfortunately, these types of medical malpractice can cause a range of adverse reactions, coma, or death.
All of these forms of medical malpractice can have tragic consequences for the patients involved. If you or someone you love suffers an injury as a result of medical malpractice, contact our Charleston, West Virginia firm for a review of your case. James F. Humphreys & Associates has the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to aggressively protect your rights.