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Seattle Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Our Seattle-area attorneys hold professionals responsible in cases of medical negligence
Navigating the complexities of medical negligence requires a legal advocate with a strong understanding of both the intricacies of the law and the nuances of the medical field. With a passion for advocating on behalf of those who have suffered harm due to medical errors, our legal team brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to seeking justice for individuals and families affected by medical malpractice. The skilled Seattle medical malpractice lawyers at Smith McBroom combine legal expertise with a compassionate approach, guiding clients through the legal process to achieve fair compensation and hold accountable those responsible for substandard medical care.
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What types of medical malpractice cases does your Seattle firm handle?
The medical malpractice lawyers at Smith McBroom specialize in a wide range of medical malpractice cases, leveraging our expertise to champion the rights of those who have suffered due to medical negligence. Our practice encompasses a variety of medical malpractice claims, including surgical errors, diagnostic errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, nursing home negligence, and hospital negligence.
We understand that everyone’s case is unique, and our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to thoroughly investigating the details, consulting with medical experts, and building a compelling case tailored to the specific circumstances of our clients. Whether you or a loved one have experienced harm due to a healthcare professional's negligence, we are here to provide personalized and effective legal representation in pursuit of justice and fair compensation.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical News Today states:
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional neglects to provide appropriate treatment, take appropriate action, or gives substandard treatment that causes harm, injury, or death to a person.
The malpractice or negligence normally involves a medical error. This could be in diagnosis, medication dosage, health management, treatment, or aftercare.
They also note there are between 15,000 and 19,000 medical malpractice suits against doctors every year in the United States.
What are the elements of a Seattle medical malpractice case?
Medical malpractice cases in Seattle (and everywhere else) typically involve specific elements that must be established to prove a claim. Common elements in medical malpractice cases generally include:
- Duty of care. Demonstrating that a healthcare professional owed the patient a duty of care. This implies that there was a doctor-patient relationship, establishing responsibility on the part of the healthcare provider to adhere to an acceptable standard of care.
- Breach of duty. Establishing that the healthcare professional breached the standard of care owed to the patient. This involves showing that the medical provider's actions or omissions deviated from what a reasonably competent healthcare professional would have done in similar circumstances.
- Causation. Proving a direct link between the healthcare provider's breach of duty and the patient's injuries. It must be demonstrated that the negligent actions or omissions were a substantial factor in causing harm.
- Damages. Documenting the actual harm or damages suffered by the patient. This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, loss of income, and other related losses.
- Expert testimony. Often, medical malpractice cases require expert testimony from qualified professionals in the same field as the defendant. These experts can help establish the standard of care, breach of duty, and causation.
- Filing within the statute of limitations. Adhering to the statute of limitations, which is the legally defined time limit within which a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is generally three years from the date of injury or one year from the date the patient discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury, whichever is later.
Understanding and effectively presenting these elements are important for a successful medical malpractice case. Consult with our experienced Seattle medical malpractice lawyers to navigate the complexities of these claims and pursue a fair and just resolution.
Who can be held liable for my Seattle medical malpractice claim?
Individual healthcare providers, such as doctors, surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other professionals directly involved in patient care, may be held liable for medical malpractice. Their actions or omissions that deviate from the standard of care can form the basis of a legal claim.
Hospitals and medical facilities can also be held accountable for medical malpractice. This includes situations where the hospital's employees, including doctors and nurses, contribute to patient harm. Moreover, hospitals may face liability for issues related to inadequate staffing, insufficient training, or systemic problems that contribute to medical errors.
Pharmaceutical companies may be implicated in medical malpractice cases involving medication errors or defective drugs. If a medication has dangerous side effects or lacks proper warnings, the pharmaceutical company responsible for its production or distribution may be held liable.
Similarly, medical device manufacturers could be held responsible in cases where a defective device contributes to patient harm. Issues such as design flaws or inadequate warnings may lead to legal action against the manufacturer.
Clinics and outpatient facilities, like hospitals, may face liability for the actions of their staff. Organizational negligence contributing to patient harm may also be grounds for legal recourse.
In cases involving nursing homes or long-term care facilities, both individual caregivers and the facility itself may be held liable for negligence or abuse.
Determining liability in medical malpractice cases is complex, and often multiple parties share responsibility. The specifics of each case will influence who can be held accountable. For a thorough evaluation of your case, consult with the experienced Seattle medical malpractice attorneys at Smith McBroom.
Do you have a Seattle medical malpractice attorney near me?
Smith McBroom is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite #210, Seattle, Washington, 98188. We’re right off I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. There is a bus stop near our office, and we offer free on-site parking.
Seattle medical malpractice lawyers working for you
If you've experienced harm due to medical negligence, don't navigate the complexities of a medical malpractice claim alone. The experienced team of Seattle medical malpractice lawyers at Smith McBroom is here to be your dedicated advocate. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to fighting for your rights. Let us guide you through the legal process and help you take the first step towards resolution. Your well-being is our priority—reach out to us now and let's start building a strong case together. To schedule a meeting with one of our dedicated attorneys, call our Tukwila-based offices or fill out our contact form today.