Whether you or a loved one is the victim, the short-term aftermath of a harmful medical mistake is generally a time of shock and despair. Depending on the injury and the harmed one’s prognosis, you and your family could feel this way for some time.
When you are coping with sorrow, legal matters are likely the last thing on your mind, but you will probably reconsider as time passes.
A medical malpractice claim helps families in two critical ways. It holds those who caused the injury accountable and provides you with compensation that can improve your life substantially.
Here are two early steps to take when planning a medical malpractice claim.
Identify all responsible parties
Say that a surgeon operates on the wrong part of a patient’s body, causing significant injuries. You may automatically assume that the surgeon is the only one who injured the patient. While they did play a prominent role in the incident, other parties may also be at fault.
For example, a medical facility or another member of the surgical team may own a share of the blame. Identifying all parties could increase the compensation your family deserves.
Know the law
Each state has unique laws identifying the remedies available to patients injured through medical malpractice. Early in 2023, the governor of Iowa signed a bill that caps the non-economic damages (pain and suffering) harmed patients may obtain at no more than $2 million.
Injury compensation laws can change rapidly, so it is crucial to stay current. Guidance from someone familiar with medical malpractice laws can help you learn more, ensuring you make no missteps when filing your claim.