A profession in the medical industry is certainly challenging, as one has to face life and death situations every day. Patients trust doctors and other healthcare providers with their life, and things can ugly when that confidence is shattered. Just like all other human beings, medical practitioners are capable of making mistakes. Most of the time, doctors, and nurses do their best, but they cannot always guarantee a positive outcome. Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, reveals that medical malpractice claims are more common than you think; medics must always be prepared for handling such situations. Even if you did everything right, you are likely to encounter a patient in your lifetime who will sue you for the wrong reasons.
Many people are left with eternal suffering because of an error or negligence exercised by a healthcare professional. Filing a personal injury claim is the legal way to obtain compensation for their loss. Cases of medical practice are highly sensitive and complex, which is why the insurance companies involved are more aggressive than usual. More than 90% of medical malpractice claims are settled early, as courtroom trials can potentially damage the credibility of a medical organization. If the plaintiff wins the case at court, it could mark an end to the defendant’s medical career.
The first thing to do following the emergence of a lawsuit is to contact your medical malpractice insurance provider. The insurer will appoint a professional claim representative and liability attorney to defend you. These people evaluate all the relevant medical records and gather evidence to support your case. It is essential to be honest and cooperative with your legal defendants, or winning the case might become impossible. The opinion and testimonies of medical experts are most valuable in medical malpractice cases.
If you have reliable medical professionals as witnesses to prove your innocence, your chances for defeating the allegations are greater. Doctors rarely testify on the behalf on the plaintiff, which is an advantage for the defendant. Do not make the mistake of altering any medical records in your favor, as it will probably be discovered when law enforcement investigates; foul play will further deteriorate your position in court. Let your attorney decide what has to be done, as he/she is qualified and experienced for the job.
When it is evident that the plaintiff’s claim is legit and their evidence will prevail during trial, try to reach a settlement as soon as possible. In case you are sure that you acted in good faith and the patient is being unreasonable, you should try to resolve the misunderstanding through mediation or arbitration. The law is unusually sympathetic towards supposed victims of medical malpractice, so keeping yourself calm and composed is very important.
Plaintiffs who win medical malpractice lawsuits are rewarded with a large sum of money, which often motivates people to take advantage of the system. In reality, only few claimants are successful, but you wouldn’t know that as they almost never make the news. The public is more interested in hearing about a poor victim who was able to draw money out of a multimillion-dollar corporation, rather than feeling sorry for an affluent practitioner with good intentions. Medical malpractice cases are the most difficult civil lawsuits, which is why both parties require competent legal representation.