When facing the after-effects of medical negligence, the journey can feel overwhelming. Understanding what constitutes medical negligence and how to pursue a claim is crucial to seeking justice. At Cohen Medical Consulting, we bridge the gap between complex medical issues and the legal process, empowering clients and attorneys with the clarity they need to navigate medical negligence cases.

In this blog, we’ll explore common examples of medical negligence, explain the Medical Negligence Claim Process, and provide actionable Medical Negligence Advice to help you better understand your rights and options.

What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care, resulting in injury, harm, or worsened medical conditions for a patient. This can manifest in various ways, including errors in diagnosis, improper treatment, neglect during aftercare, or mismanagement of a patient’s overall health. Such negligence may lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences, affecting not only the patient but also their loved ones. However, not every unfavorable medical outcome automatically qualifies as negligence.

It requires clear evidence that the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the expected level of competence and directly caused harm. Because these cases are often complex and involve technical medical details, an expert evaluation is crucial to determine if a valid claim exists and to support the case effectively in legal proceedings.

The Standard of Care Explained

The standard of care is the level of competence that a reasonably skilled healthcare provider would offer under similar circumstances. If a provider’s actions fall below this benchmark and result in harm, it may be considered negligence.

At Cohen Medical Consulting, we evaluate whether the standard of care was breached and offer expert guidance to help you determine if pursuing a claim is justified.

Common Examples of Medical Negligence

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Failing to correctly identify a medical condition or delaying a diagnosis can have life-altering consequences. For example, misdiagnosing cancer as a benign condition could result in the patient losing the opportunity for timely, life-saving treatment.

Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes, such as performing the wrong procedure, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or operating on the wrong site, are shocking yet all-too-common examples of medical negligence.

Medication Mistakes

Prescribing the wrong medication, administering the incorrect dosage, or overlooking a patient’s allergies can cause severe reactions, prolonged illness, or even fatal consequences.

Birth Injuries

Negligence during labor and delivery, such as failing to monitor fetal distress or mishandling delivery tools, can lead to serious injuries like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy for the child and trauma for the mother.

Anesthesia Errors

Improper administration of anesthesia, failure to monitor a patient’s vitals, or neglecting pre-existing conditions can result in brain damage, nerve injury, or death.

Failure to Inform of Risks

Doctors are obligated to inform patients of potential risks associated with a treatment or procedure. Failure to do so undermines a patient’s ability to make informed decisions, potentially leading to avoidable harm.

Understanding the Medical Negligence Claim Process

Navigating the Medical Negligence Claim process can be complex, but it starts with these critical steps:

  1. Gather Medical Records: Collect all relevant documentation to support your claim.
  2. Seek Expert Evaluation: Partner with a medical consultant to assess whether negligence occurred.
  3. File a Legal Complaint: Work with an attorney to file a formal claim against the healthcare provider or institution.
  4. Settlement or Trial: The case may resolve through settlement negotiations or proceed to court for a verdict.

Pro Tip: Working with experts like Cohen Medical Consulting ensures your case is thoroughly prepared with strong medical evidence and expert testimony.

How Cohen Medical Consulting Can Help You

At Cohen Medical Consulting, we offer unmatched expertise to help you understand if the care you received met the standard of care. Led by Dr. Michael Cohen, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience, we provide:

  1. Comprehensive analysis of medical records.
  2. Assistance in securing top-tier expert witnesses.
  3. Support through every stage of the medical negligence claim process.

Whether you’re dealing with a misdiagnosis or a surgical error, we’ll guide you through the intricacies of your case with clarity and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Negligence

Q: How do I know if I have a valid claim?
A: You need to prove that the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care and that this breach directly caused your injury. Consulting experts is crucial for building a strong case.

Q: How long does the Medical Negligence Claim Process take?
A: It varies based on the complexity of the case and whether it’s resolved through settlement or trial. On average, claims take 1-3 years.

Q: Can Cohen Medical Consulting assist with my case even if I already have an attorney?
A: Absolutely! We work alongside attorneys to provide medical expertise, evaluate claims, and ensure your case is as strong as possible.

Why Choose Cohen Medical Consulting?

With a proven track record of assisting attorneys and clients, Cohen Medical Consulting brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to every case. We’re committed to helping you achieve justice by offering expert medical negligence advice and navigating the complexities of medical-legal cases.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact Cohen Medical Consulting today to start building your case.

For more information, visit Cohen Medical Consulting.