In a recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical malpractice was cited as the third leading cause of death in the United States. It has been estimated that about 200,000 patients die each year due to medical errors, but only 15% of all personal injury lawsuits involve medical malpractice claims.
Even more disturbing is that 80% of these claims result in no payment to an injured patient or to their survivors. However, when payouts do occur, they can be significant. In 2012, for example, more than $3 billion in medical malpractice payouts took place.
The big disconnect should be obvious. To be compensated for pain, suffering and in some cases, death, it is imperative to hire the best medical malpractice lawyer you can find.
Medical malpractice cases can be extremely complex and medical institutions often times retain top-flight legal representation to protect their interests.
Before moving forward with a potential claim, you need to ascertain that you can still file a suit and that the statute of limitations, which vary by state, has not expired. You also need to understand that pursuing a claim can be a costly and a lengthy experience.
A medical malpractice attorney representing you will approach a case on several different fronts.
First, they will determine if there is enough evidence to claim you were the victim of medical negligence. Second, they will focus on who is actually at fault. Some defense strategies will attempt to muddy the waters when it comes to affixing blame, claiming that previous care was at fault. Once these basics have been determined, you and your attorney can then begin to move forward on the specifics of your case.
Zagrans Law Firm proudly serves Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio communities of Brooklyn, Lakewood, East Cleveland, Parma, Seven Hills, Rocky River and University Heights.