Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff members are held to high standards because their decisions can have such dramatic consequences for their patients. When they fail to provide an acceptable level of care, victims of negligence may be able to file a medical malpractice claim for damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. However, not every negative outcome or all mistakes provide grounds for a lawsuit.

When Negative Outcomes Rise to Negligence

Mistakes on the part of health care providers do not automatically constitute negligence. A successful medical malpractice claim must show that the staff failed to provide a level of care any other similarly educated professional would have. For instance, a misdiagnosis may be considered negligence if the doctor ignored signs others would have noticed or failed to order standard tests.

The Importance of Damages

Like any other personal injury claim, medical malpractice suits require victims to have suffered physical damages. For instance, surgical errors often necessitate additional procedures to correct, in addition to the pain and suffering victims often experience. Due to the complexity of the medical field, calculating the extent of your damages typically calls for the expertise of a skilled attorney with extensive professional resources.

Linking Your Injuries to the Medical Negligence

While establishing a link between the health care provider’s negligence and your injuries may seem straightforward, it is quite complex. A doctor may argue that you would have suffered a negative outcome regardless of their negligence. Successfully proving liability for your losses may require the testimony of another physician or expert witnesses.

From their offices in Murray County, Goddard & Hammontree LLC serves injury victims throughout Georgia and some areas of Tennessee. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of medical malpractice, you can depend on this accomplished legal team to ensure justice is done. They offer quality legal counsel and representation to secure the most favorable outcome possible. To schedule a consultation, visit their website or call their offices at (706) 278-0464.