Doctors and nurses are required to maintain a high standard of care for their patients. When negligence is committed and leads to injuries or life-altering conditions, a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed. In these situations, victims and their families can seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you’ve been injured by a negligent health care provider, below are a few details you should know before filing a claim.

What You Should Know About Medical Malpractice

1. Not All Mistakes Constitute Negligence

To constitute negligence, a medical provider must fail to give the level of care you would receive from any reasonably competent professional. A misdiagnosis, for example, does not automatically constitute negligence unless your attorney can demonstrate another doctor with the same information would have arrived at a different conclusion.

2. Medical Malpractice Covers a Variety of Situations

While surgical errors generally get the most attention, medical malpractice can occur at any stage of your treatment. Medication errors, for example, are extremely common forms of medical malpractice, as are failures in interpreting test results.

3. Insurance Companies May Offer an Early Settlement

Because medical malpractice injuries are difficult and expensive to litigate, insurance companies typically prefer to settle with victims as quickly as possible. Sometimes, these initial offers may not be enough to cover your medical expenses, let alone your lost income and the impact on your quality of life, which is why it’s recommended to seek legal counsel.

4. You Will Need an Experienced Attorney

Medical malpractice claims are more difficult than other personal injury cases, even if the insurer is willing to settle. A successful claim usually depends on having an attorney with the experience and professional resources to prove liability for your losses and negotiate effectively on your behalf.

With over 200 years of combined legal experience, the law firm of Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law has collected more than $100 million on behalf of clients throughout the Phoenix area. If you’ve suffered because of a health care provider’s negligence, depend on their team to provide the help you need and achieve the justice you deserve. Visit their website to learn more about their medical malpractice experience, or call (602) 230-2144 to schedule a consultation with an accomplished legal professional.