Evaluating Compensation Options For A Procedure Injury
Harm sustained during or as a result of a Maryland medical procedure can be devastating, leaving injured individuals with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. When such injuries occur due to medical negligence, victims have the right to seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim. To understand the complexities involved in evaluating and pursuing compensation, have a conversation with a seasoned Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Understanding Types of Compensation
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. Procedure injuries can happen during surgeries, diagnostic tests, or any medical treatment. Common examples include surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and post-operative infections.
Compensation in medical malpractice cases is typically divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages:
- Medical expenses. This includes past, present, and future medical costs related to the injury. It covers hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost wages. If the injury results in the inability to work, victims can claim compensation for lost income. This also includes loss of earning capacity if the victim cannot return to their previous job or work at the same capacity.
- Out-of-pocket expenses. Any additional expenses incurred due to the injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments or home care services, can be claimed.
Often more subjective, non-economic damages could include one or more of the following:
- Pain and suffering. This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Loss of consortium. Awarded to the spouse or family members of the victim, this compensation is connected to the loss of companionship and support due to the injury.
- Loss of life enjoyment. Compensation for the impact the injury has on the victim’s ability to enjoy daily activities and life in general.
Some factors that will also influence the amount of compensation awarded include severity and duration of an injury along with the degree of negligence.
Building a Solid a Claim
To successfully pursue a medical malpractice claim in Maryland, victims should consult with a legal professional. A skilled Baltimore personal injury lawyer can put a true value on your claim and advise you on possibly acquiring testimony from medical experts to demonstrate how the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care.
It is important to move forward as soon as you realize you were harmed because of another person or organization’s recklessness. In Maryland, harmed individuals have a limited time to file a medical malpractice claim, typically within five years of the injury or three years from discovering the injury. Once you file a claim, your case will likely be settled out of court through negotiation. That said, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
Should you talk to a legal professional? With the right support, you can navigate the complexities of a malpractice claim and access the compensation you deserve for your suffering and losses. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP are available to help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
