When you seek medical treatment, you should be able to trust your provider. Unfortunately, mistakes happen even when lives are at stake. So, when medical errors occur, the consequences can be truly life-altering.
If you or someone you care about has experienced medical malpractice, seeking legal guidance is critical. Our dedicated medical malpractice lawyers at Turnbull Legal Group can provide the expertise and support you need to pursue justice and fair compensation.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice in Texas occurs when a healthcare provider is negligent or deviates from the standard of care, harming a patient. However, not every negative outcome constitutes malpractice.
Here are some of the critical elements of medical malpractice:
1. Duty of Care: Providers owe a duty of care to their patients, including following accepted medical standards.
2. Breach of Standard Care: Malpractice involves proving the doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider breached the standard of care expected in a given situation. This usually involves using expert testimony.
3. Causation: The negligence must be the primary cause of the harm suffered.
4. Damages: The patient must have suffered actual damages to pursue a medical malpractice claim in Texas. Damages may include physical injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
5. Statute of Limitations: In Texas, you must generally pursue your claim within two years from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered).
Common Medical Malpractice Cases In Texas
Medical malpractice can result in many different kinds of damages and injuries. And sometimes, malpractice isn’t immediately obvious.
These are some of the most common case types and areas of malpractice:
- Birth injuries (to mother, baby, or both)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Surgical errors (A 2017 survey showed that 21% of US adults suffered due to a medical injury error.)
- Failure to diagnose and treat promptly
- Medication errors
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to warn
What To Do If You’re A Victim Of Medical Malpractice
If you or a loved one has been the victim of malpractice, it can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. Here are some things you should do to help protect yourself and get on the road to recovery.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and wellbeing is a top priority. If you’ve suffered harm due to malpractice, seek care from a trusted provider for proper treatment.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
Document your injuries, get copies of medical records, and collect all relevant documents related to your injuries and treatment. Keep a journal of your experience.
Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Contact an experienced Texas medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your claim. They’ll evaluate your situation, help you build a case, and guide you through the legal process.
Seek Justice And Healing With A Skilled Texas Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Following a medical malpractice incident, the path to justice and healing can be long and tedious. Understanding what constitutes medical malpractice, knowing your rights, and taking the proper steps following the incident are crucial for a successful claim.
If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, you don’t have to face the journey alone. Mr. Turnbull is a former Chief District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor who will fight for you.
Our team proudly serves Harris County, Brazos County, Montgomery County, and Galveston County residents. Contact Turnbull Legal Group at (832) 314-3232 today to start working toward justice and fair compensation.