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Three Common Causes for Medical Malpractice Claims

Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer  Feb. 5, 2024

Dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident can be devastating. The mounting medical bills, loss of income, and stress of dealing with insurance companies can add to the physical pain and emotional trauma of the incident. It's during these challenging times that you need a reliable personal injury attorney who can empathize with your situation and advocate for your rights. At the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, we fully understand the hardships faced by accident victims and are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to help them obtain the compensation they deserve.  

We believe in a personalized approach to every case. Led by Bruce C. Betzer, our team brings over a decade of legal experience and a deep understanding of Louisiana law to fight for you. We don't just offer representation. We're here to provide a compassionate and supportive experience, standing by your side every step of the way. We're dedicated to securing full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses, fighting tirelessly on your behalf. Our commitment to transparency ensures that you're always in the loop, offering peace of mind during this difficult period. To discuss your situation, feel free to reach out to us at our Metairie office or contact us online for a free initial consultation. 

Understanding Medical Malpractice  

When you're in need of medical attention, you trust your healthcare provider to deliver the standard of care that their profession demands. But when this trust is broken due to negligence or misconduct, it can lead to serious harm or injury. This is what we refer to as medical malpractice. Simply put, medical malpractice is a healthcare professional's failure to meet their duty of care, resulting in adverse consequences for the patient.  

To successfully prove a claim of medical malpractice, it's necessary to establish certain elements. Firstly, a duty of care must have been owed by the healthcare provider to the patient. This means they had a legal obligation to provide a certain standard of care. Secondly, there must've been a breach in this duty of care. This implies that the healthcare provider failed to uphold the expected standard. Thirdly, this breach of duty must have directly resulted in harm or injury to the patient, and finally, the patient must have suffered physical, emotional, or financial damages as a result of this negligent act.  

Common Causes of Medical Malpractice  

Medical malpractice can occur under various circumstances, but there are three common causes that stand out: diagnosis errors, failure to properly treat, and surgical errors.  

Diagnosis errors, including misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses, are among the most common causes of medical malpractice claims. This happens when a healthcare provider fails to accurately identify a patient's medical condition or doesn't diagnose it in time. Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment or delayed treatment, causing further harm or complications for the patient.  

Failure to properly treat a patient's condition is another frequent cause of medical malpractice. This may include errors in medication dosage, surgical errors, or failure to follow established medical protocols. When a healthcare provider fails to provide the right treatment, it can worsen the patient's condition or lead to additional complications.  

Surgical errors, whether it's wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient's body, or performing unnecessary surgeries, can have devastating consequences. Such mistakes can result in severe injuries, infections, or even death.

Possible Damages Available  

If you've been a victim of medical malpractice and successfully prove your claim, you may be entitled to various types of damages. This can include compensation for medical expenses, both past and future, related to the malpractice. If the malpractice caused you to miss work or resulted in a loss of earning capacity, you may also be eligible for compensation for lost wages.  

In addition, damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the malpractice may be awarded. In tragic cases where medical malpractice leads to the death of a patient, their family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This could mean seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.  

How We Can Help at The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer

At The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, we're fully aware of the complexities of medical malpractice cases and the impact they can have on your life. Our dedicated legal team is committed to helping victims of medical malpractice seek justice and obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve. We provide personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.  

With a deep understanding of Louisiana law and the specific requirements for proving medical malpractice claims, we're well-equipped to guide you through this challenging journey. We'll conduct a comprehensive investigation, gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a robust case on your behalf. Our ultimate goal is to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and secure maximum compensation for your damages.  

We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide an honest assessment of your legal options. Our attorneys will guide you through the complexities of the legal system, explaining your rights and helping you make informed decisions. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Your journey to justice starts with us.