How do you know if you have a medical malpractice case in Connecticut?

On Behalf of | Oct 2, 2024 | Medical Malpractice

When you visit a healthcare provider, you trust them to care for you competently. However, if they fail to meet the standard of care expected, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

In the United States, common malpractice claims include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors and failure to obtain informed consent. To prove a malpractice case, you must correctly assert that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.

Defining medical malpractice

You must prove certain legal elements to bring a successful medical malpractice lawsuit in Connecticut. These include:

  • A doctor-patient relationship must exist, meaning the health care provider has a duty of care to you.
  • The medical provider failed to uphold this duty by acting or failing to act in a way that no sufficiently skilled physician with comparable training would have done.
  • The medical professional’s failure to provide adequate care resulted in harm.
  • The medical provider’s negligence incurred damages, such as medical bills or income losses.

These elements form the foundation of your claim. Proving each one is crucial for a successful lawsuit.

Why are claims challenging to prove?

Medical malpractice cases are complicated. They usually involve complex medical and legal issues that require detailed evidence. Attorneys must gather medical records, eyewitness testimonies and expert opinions.

Lawyers often enlist the help of medical and financial professionals to build a strong case. Here are their primary duties related to claims:

Medical experts

  • Providing expert testimony on how the standard of care was breached
  • Reviewing the plaintiff’s medical records to identify deviations from standard medical care
  • Establishing causation by linking the provider’s actions to the patient’s injuries
  • Providing insight into the long-term impact of injuries

Financial experts

  • Calculating economic damages for medical bills, lost wages, and future lost earnings
  • Developing life care plans outlining the costs of future medical treatment
  • Analyzing the broader financial impact on the victim’s family
  • Assessing the value of future economic losses

Due to these complexities, resolving a malpractice claim can take years. The extended timeline can be stressful, but thorough investigation and preparation are essential for a successful outcome.

Fighting for justice from medical mistakes

If you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, you deserve compensation. Victims can recover various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

An experienced medical malpractice attorney understands how to fight for fair compensation. They know how to navigate the legal system and negotiate settlements. If necessary, they can take your case to trial to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Seeking legal help can alleviate some of the burdens and allow you to focus on your recovery.