The Impact of Medical Malpractice on Patients and Families

Medical errors have serious consequences for patients and their loved ones, often lasting for years. Families face draining financial and emotional challenges when forced to deal with medical negligence.

Doctors are accountable for serious mistakes that cause harm. A medical malpractice lawsuit gives you a way to get compensation for your losses. Talk to a medical malpractice lawyer about your legal options.

How Medical Malpractice Affects Patients and Their Families

In addition to financial hardships, the impact of medical malpractice is both physical and emotional. You may deal with chronic pain, scarring, and limited function. A malpractice accident can affect your relationships with your friends and family, leaving you with a lower quality of life. And even after healing physically, the emotional toll of medical malpractice can leave you with a lack of trust in the health care system.

Physical Consequences of Medical Malpractice Injuries

Physical injuries are the most immediate consequence of surgical errors. Some common physical impacts of medical malpractice can include:

• Pain
• Limited range of motion
• Infection
• Amputation
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Additional surgeries

People have to go through these physical injuries knowing they could have been avoided. Malpractice injuries happen when medical professionals don’t follow the medical standard of care. Health care providers have the training, education, and experience to understand medical care standards. A doctor who deviates from the standard of care can cause serious harm.

Emotional Impact on Patients and Families

Negligent medical treatment also has an emotional impact on victims of medical malpractice. Serious trauma like medical malpractice can cause emotional distress for months or years after the event. Some people suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Other effects can include:

• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities
• Depression
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Loss of enjoyment in life

Emotional impacts can also extend to family members and others. Loved ones also have to witness unnecessary suffering, which can challenge strong family relationships.

With a successful medical malpractice claim, you can get compensation for your injuries, including non-economic damages covering emotional distress and a loss of consortium.

Financial Burdens of Medical Malpractice

Americans spend more on health care than other countries. Even with insurance, the cost of surgery or hospitalization can drain a lifetime of savings.

After a medical accident, you still get medical bills for negligent and ongoing care. In some cases, family members will get a medical bill for their deceased loved one who died because of medical negligence.

Some medical accidents cause permanent disability, and victims can’t earn a living. This is even more difficult for families who face increased financial costs without any money coming in. Many families struggle with living on government disability benefits after a medical error.

Health care professionals are financially liable for medical negligence. You can get compensation for your losses. Economic damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Loss of earning potential
• Mobility aids
• Costs of medication

Examples of How Medical Negligence Affects Patients and Families

Birth injuries are some of the most severe examples of medical malpractice. Children with birth injuries can have developmental delays and require ongoing care for the rest of their lives.

Families of birth injury victims may need to stop working to take care of their disabled child. Economic costs associated with cerebral palsy and other birth injuries can top $1 million over a lifetime for the average family. This includes medical expenses, support, and continuing care. Parents have to prepare for residential care when the family is no longer able to take care of their child.

Your Legal Rights After Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice victims have the right to take legal action for damages. Medical malpractice lawsuits are a way for victims and families to get compensation from negligent doctors. Doctors are liable for negligently causing injuries to their patients.

Most doctors have medical malpractice insurance to cover negligence claims. A successful settlement or trial verdict can mean compensation to cover your injuries and ongoing needs.

Medical malpractice laws differ in every state. For example, each state has a different time limit to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations only gives you a certain amount of time to file a personal injury claim. If you file your claim too late, the court will dismiss your case. To make sure you file your lawsuit in time, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Talk to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice cases are complex. You may feel like you’re on trial when you speak out about medical negligence. A medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the legal process. Your lawyer can represent you in court and put you in the best position to recover the maximum compensation.

A lawyer can also direct you toward support services and counseling to help you and your family through these difficult times. Contact a local medical malpractice lawyer to protect your legal rights after a medical error causes you harm.