Wrongful Death
When Medical Malpractice Leads to the Death of a Patient
In some situations, medical malpractice may lead to the wrongful death of a patient. A negligent doctor may prescribe a
medication to which the patient has a violent reaction due to a known allergy. A surgeon may accidentally perforate an artery during
surgery. An anesthesiologist may fail to monitor a patient during surgery. An
emergency room doctor may incorrectly diagnose a heart attack as indigestion or other gastroesophageal condition. There are various scenarios where a doctor, nurse, surgeon or other medical professional's negligence or wrongdoing may lead to the death of a patient. When this occurs, the family or the estate of the decedent may be able to take legal action to hold the at-fault party accountable.
A wrongful death lawsuit pertaining to medical malpractice may be filed against an individual healthcare professional or against a facility, depending on the unique circumstances. Taking legal action of this kind can serve a few key purposes. It can help the family obtain much-needed peace of mind in knowing that the negligent party has been brought to justice. It can help the family face a more stable financial future by addressing medical expenses, funeral costs and the loss of the decedent's earnings. It can increase awareness of the dangers of medical malpractice and may even protect other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
Wrongful Death & Medical Negligence: Determining if You Have a Case
In order to achieve a positive case result in a wrongful death claim pertaining to medical malpractice or negligence, you will need to be able to prove that the medical professional or facility you are bringing a lawsuit against provided substandard care. You will need to prove that the doctor, nurse or surgeon acted or failed to act and that this constituted improper treatment or a level of care that is not up to accepted standards. You will need to prove that this then caused the wrongful death of your loved one.
These are often highly technical cases, and you will need to work with an attorney who is not only skilled in handling medical malpractice and wrongful death claims but who has access to medical professionals, economists, private investigators and other professionals who can thoroughly investigate the matter to determine how to prove that malpractice occurred and how to seek fair compensation for your loss. Though it is true that no amount of money could possibly "compensate" you for the loss of a spouse, parent, child or other family member, it can make a difference to hold the at-fault party accountable and to recover monetary damages that will cover medical expenses and other financial losses you have experienced.
Find a medical malpractice lawyerin your area to help with a wrongful death claim.