Hospitals must comply with state guidelines and regulations set forth by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). When hospitals fail to follow these guidelines, it may lead to cases of medical malpractice that harm their patients.
Whether you have suffered due to a surgical error, misdiagnosis, or another form of medical negligence, our attorneys are prepared to help you pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered. Our skill and experience allow us to handle cases that many plaintiff firms turn down. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case with one of our Ohio medical malpractice attorneys, reach out to The Becker Law Firm today.
What Counts as Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member, deviates from accepted standards of care, resulting in patient harm. Even a renowned medical institution is not immune to errors that can lead to significant harm.
If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to medical malpractice at a local hospital, it is crucial to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to understand your rights.
Common examples of medical malpractice include:
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the patient.
- Failure to Diagnose: Delays or omissions in diagnosing conditions like cancer or infections, leading to worsened health outcomes.
- Medication Errors: Prescribing or administering the wrong medication or dosage, resulting in adverse reactions.
- Anesthesia Mistakes: Errors in administering anesthesia, leading to complications or even death.
- Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth causing injuries to the newborn or mother.
- Emergency Room Errors: Failure to provide timely and appropriate care in emergency situations.
- Hospital-Acquired Infections: Infections contracted during a hospital stay due to unsanitary conditions or improper procedures.
- Nursing Negligence: Inadequate monitoring or care by nursing staff, leading to patient harm.
Can I Sue a Hospital for Medical Malpractice?
Yes, you can pursue a medical malpractice claim against any medical institute if you or a loved one suffered harm due to negligent care. While the idea of suing a large, well-known hospital can feel intimidating, it’s important to remember that the law exists to protect patients and hold healthcare providers accountable.
Each case is unique, and an experienced medical malpractice attorney can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and help you understand whether you have a strong claim. Taking action not only gives you a chance to seek compensation for your injuries but also helps ensure that errors are addressed so future patients receive safer care.
Legal Rights and Options
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical malpractice, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights designed to protect you and hold negligent parties accountable. Victims of medical errors in Cleveland or Ohio hospitals are entitled to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of their injuries.
Your legal rights and options may include:
- Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: Pursue compensation for injuries caused by negligent care.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Work with experienced attorneys to reach a fair resolution without going to trial.
- Seeking Compensation for Damages: Recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
- Consulting with a Medical Malpractice Attorney: Obtain professional guidance on the strength of your case and the best course of action.
- Pursuing Alternative Dispute Resolution: Explore mediation or arbitration as a potentially faster and less adversarial option.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Ohio?
In Ohio, the general rule is that a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within one year from the date the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. There is also an absolute statute of limitations of four years from the date of the alleged malpractice, regardless of when the injury was discovered. However, there are some exceptions that can extend these time limits, depending on specific circumstances.
Exceptions that may expand the statute of limitations include:
- Minors: If the patient is under 18, the statute of limitations may be extended until the child’s 18th birthday.
- Fraud or Concealment: If the healthcare provider intentionally concealed the malpractice, the filing period may be extended.
- Mental Incapacity: If the patient was mentally incapacitated at the time of the malpractice, the statute may be tolled until they regain capacity.
- Foreign Objects Left in the Body: Certain cases, such as leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, may allow extended filing deadlines.
Understanding these time limits and exceptions is crucial to protecting your right to pursue compensation. Consulting with The Becker Law Firm early can help ensure your claim is filed on time.
Why Choose Our Legal Team
At The Becker Law Firm, we are committed to helping clients secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Our team combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of hospital and physician negligence cases, ensuring that every claim is handled with precision and care. We have a proven track record of achieving record-setting results for our clients, reflecting both our skill and dedication:
- $60.7 Million: Secured compensation for the family of a 12-year-old girl who suffered disabling neurologic injuries and partial limb loss after contact with a downed power line. This is the largest settlement in Ohio history for physical injuries to an individual plaintiff.
- $11 Million: Secured compensation on behalf of a 53-year-old man who sustained permanent and catastrophic brain injury after resident physicians failed to respond properly to a code blue caused by airway compromise from a neck hematoma.
- $4.75 Million: Obtained compensation for the family of a newborn girl who suffered permanent brain injury due to medical negligence during delivery, including improper use of a vacuum extractor instead of a timely C-section.
Contact Our Cleveland Hospital Malpractice Attorneys Today
Our attorneys do this work because we care about our clients and know a just verdict or settlement will make a positive difference in their lives. When a hospital’s negligence causes you serious harm or results in the death of your loved one, our Ohio hospital negligence attorneys are here to fight for you. We strive to help our clients recover justice and compensation for their losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Throughout Cleveland, hospitals have extensive legal teams and resources fighting to minimize their involvement. These cases often involve speaking with multiple doctors, specialists, and departments to determine if medical malpractice caused your injuries. Proving negligence usually requires detailed medical records, testimony, and careful coordination to establish liability. That’s why having an experienced medical malpractice attorney matters. Contact The Becker Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us guide you through filing a medical malpractice claim.
