5 Things to Know About Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice lawsuits are often complex in nature. Here are 5 things you should know about filing your claim

1. The majority of medical malpractice claims have merit.

Harvard's School of Public Health conducted a study analyzing 1,452 closed claims from 5 different medical malpractice insurance companies. They concluded that a vast majority of the claims were valid, helping debunk the myth that medical malpractice cases are frivolous.

2. All states have a statute of limitations.

Because medical malpractice claims are often complex, most states have a strict statute of limitations when it comes to filing medical malpractice claims. Although these statutes vary by state, all states guarantee at least a year to file a medical malpractice claim after an injury has occurred.

3. Medical malpractice claims don't drive up healthcare costs.

According to Insurance Journal, victims who were awarded $1 million or more in medical malpractice claims account for $1.4 billion per year. This equals to less than 1% of national medical spending.

4. Damage must have occurred.

It's important to be able to prove that damage or injury occurred due to the negligence of a medical professional. Without evidence of a disability, emotional trauma or lost wages, there may not be grounds for a case.

5. It's important to seek help from an attorney.

If you sustained injury from the negligence of a doctor, nurse, hospital or medical facility, it's important that you seek legal help from a medical malpractice attorney. Having a legal professional on your side may be able to help prove your case has merit and better ensure you are awarded the compensation you deserve.