How Common is Pediatric Malpractice?
Allegations of wrongdoing in pediatrics are fairly common. Pediatric doctors, like any other specialty doctor, can make irreversible mistakes. In fact, an earlier study by the AAP found that there were approximately 2 recorded errors among hospitalized children per every 100 discharges. Further studies by the AAP indicate that approximately one fifth of all pediatricians will be sued at some point during their career, with 58% of those claims being successful for the patients.
How Long do I Have to File a Pediatric Malpractice Case?
Every state has a unique “statute of limitations” when filing medical malpractice claims against offending healthcare providers. In Maryland, for example, state law provides victims of medical negligence up to five years after the adverse event occurred to file a lawsuit. If a patient was unaware that a mistake or some form of negligence occurred, they are given up to three years from the date of discovering that fact to file a lawsuit. Note that victims of medical malpractice under the age of 16 when injured are given more time than this to seek legal recourse under Maryland law.
However, no matter where you live in the U.S., it is essential to seek legal guidance as soon as you can if you believe that you may be a victim of medical malpractice. Scheduling risk-free consultations with medical malpractice lawyers won’t obligate you to file legal action. But, by acting quickly, your lawyer will be better able to preserve critical evidence, begin investigating the circumstances surrounding your harm, and otherwise protect your interests. As a result, you’ll be empowered to make informed choices within the statute of limitations period. You’ll have taken the time to seek personalized, professional guidance before making significant decisions about your legal situation.
What is Involved in a Pediatric Malpractice Lawsuit?
Like in any medical malpractice lawsuit, the injured person must prove negligence on behalf of the doctor. To show negligence, the plaintiff has to show that there was a duty to the patient and that the doctor failed to follow the standard of care which caused damages to the child. Damages can include developmental delays, physical impairment, pain and suffering, past or future medical expenses, and other injuries. You can find a detailed description of the process in the D’Amore Personal Injury Law Guide to Medical Negligence Claims.
Speak with a Baltimore Maryland Pediatric Malpractice Lawyer
There is nothing more tragic to a parent than the suffering or injury of their child. When a medical provider makes an error which causes your child pain, suffering, life-long illness, or even death, they need to be held responsible. Pediatric doctors can be sued the same as any other doctor. If you believe that a doctor has made a mistake, it is important to contact an experienced and successful medical malpractice lawyer in order to protect your child’s rights, and provide him/her the best chance at a safe, productive and sustainable future.
Please Contact D'Amore Personal Injury Law, LLC if you would like to discuss your child’s claim. We are available 24/7 and there is no cost to you unless we win your child’s case.