Medical negligence claims aren’t the sort of thing you can discuss among polite company. First, most people want to believe that their doctor doesn’t make mistakes. Especially if you left the Tri-Cities and got care from a specialist in Seattle or Spokane. Second, if you’re in the operatory, it’s probably because something has gone wrong with you, so it’s hard to blame the doctor even if they do make a mistake.
The reality is, only about 1 in 50 medical negligence claims ends up being viable. This isn’t just because doctors are placed on a pedestal. And it’s not just because it’s usually the sick that are being treated. The reality is the body is a sensitive thing. For instance, if you or someone you know has surgery on their gastrointestinal tract, good luck not having some sort of issue. Or brain surgery? Forget about it. Literally.
Some negligence claims can be easy to see, especially if you have an MRI or a CT scan showing what the radiologist missed (like an ependymoma in the fourth ventricle). Or, if the surgeon was supposed to cut off the right foot and somehow cut off the left. In either case, you’d still need an attorney to fight the doctor’s insurance company.
When should you call and attorney if you’ve suspected medical negligence? First of all, any claim for wrongful death deserves to be investigated. But, if you are reading this and thinking of your own claim, here are three strong indicators that you should seek advice: you are suffering permanent injury as a result of a mistake; you’ve received a second opinion, and another doctor is willing to support your claim; or your damages are more than $50,000. If you’re not sure, just call Anderson Law. We’re easily accessible on Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick.
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