When Medical Care Leads To Harm, Is It Malpractice?

Medical care involves unknowns, which can make it difficult to prove that malpractice occurred when a patient has suffered after being treated.

At Futrovsky, Forster & Scherr, Chartered, in the Washington, D.C., area, we investigate and bring claims in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. itself. Below, we have listed some common medical malpractice claims. We have also summarized some of the legal principles that apply to medical malpractice cases in Maryland and the District of Columbia. If your medical-related injury case took place in Virginia, then ask us to explain the process of bringing a claim in that state.

Medical Malpractice In Maryland

In order to prevail in a medical malpractice case, an injured party is required to prove that a healthcare provider was negligent. That is, the injured party must prove that the healthcare provider breached the applicable standard of care in rendering treatment, diagnosing a condition or otherwise providing care to the patient, and that the patient suffered injury or death as a result of that breach. In order to establish the applicable standard of care, the injured party is typically required to engage a healthcare provider (an expert) who practices in the same or a similar area of medicine as the offending physician, surgeon, physician assistant, physical therapist or other healthcare provider. Although some cases resolve without the need for filing a lawsuit, frequently the filing of a lawsuit is necessary in order to effectuate a just result for the victim or the family of a victim of medical negligence.

In the State of Maryland, before filing a lawsuit against a healthcare provider in a court of law, the claiming party is required to file a Statement of Claim with an administrative agency called the Health Claims Alternative Dispute Resolution Office (HCADRO) which is located in Baltimore, Maryland. In the HCADRO, the claiming party must also file a Certificate of Qualified Expert and the report of a healthcare provider (again, an expert) who practices in the same or a similar area of medicine as the offending physician, surgeon, physician assistant, physical therapist or other healthcare provider. The Certificate of Qualified Expert is required to set forth the opinion that one or more healthcare providers breached the applicable standard of care and that the claiming party suffered injury as a result of that breach. The report must set forth the basis for these opinions. After the Certificate of Qualified Expert and report are filed, the claiming party may pursue arbitration before HCADRO or have the case transferred to an appropriate court of law, usually a county circuit court or the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Should the case be transferred to a court, it is in this court where the case will ultimately go to trial.

Medical malpractice cases are complex and expensive, and an injured party requires experienced attorneys who have the resources and knowledge to obtain a just result. The attorneys at Futrovsky, Forster & Scherr, Chartered have these resources and this knowledge. Please contact Futrovsky, Forster & Scherr, Chartered for a consultation today.

Medical Errors And Legal Claims In Washington, D.C.

In order to prevail in a medical malpractice case, an injured party is required to prove that a healthcare provider was negligent. That is, the injured party must prove that the healthcare provider breached the applicable standard of care in rendering treatment, diagnosing a condition or otherwise providing care to the patient, and that the patient suffered injury or death as a result of that breach. In order to establish the applicable standard of care, the injured party is typically required to engage a healthcare provider (an expert) who practices in the same or a similar area of medicine as the offending physician, surgeon, physician assistant, physical therapist or other healthcare provider. Although some cases settle without the need for filing a lawsuit, frequently the filing of a lawsuit is necessary in order to effectuate a just result for the victim or the family of a victim of medical negligence.

In the District of Columbia, before filing a lawsuit against a healthcare provider in a court of law, the claiming party is required to place the offending healthcare provider on notice of the claiming party’s intention to file a lawsuit. Only after 90 days have passed may a lawsuit be filed in a court of law, typically the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. It is in this court where the case will ultimately go to trial.

Medical malpractice cases are complex and expensive, and an injured party requires experienced attorneys who have the resources and knowledge to obtain a just result. The attorneys at Futrovsky, Forster & Scherr, Chartered have these resources and this knowledge. Please contact Futrovsky, Forster & Scherr, Chartered for a consultation today.

Examples Of The Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle

Examples of medical malpractice cases handled by the attorneys at Futrovsky, Forster & Scherr, Chartered include the following:

• Misdiagnosis of malignant melanoma
• Failure to properly treat malignant melanoma
• Vascular (vein) injury during lumbar surgery
• Vascular (vein) injury during surgical repair of aorta (open)
• Improperly performed endovascular repair on aorta
• Brachial plexus (nerve) injury during lymph node dissection (surgery)
• Improperly performed intubation of patient and insertion of contrast material
• Failure to address pregnancy induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia)
• Falls in healthcare settings, including hospitals
• Decubitus ulcers (pressure sores) in healthcare settings

To Request A Free Consultation

Please contact our law office for a consultation today by calling 301-251-8500 or sending us an email message.