MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEYS IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

When you seek treatment from a healthcare professional, you expect that you will receive the care you need to heal. However, in some cases, healthcare providers may fall short of their duties, resulting in serious injury or harm.

Whether it's a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, medical malpractice can have devastating consequences for patients and their families.  

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical malpractice, it’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, understand the difficulties of medical malpractice cases and are committed to helping you pursue justice for your injuries. 

Located in Columbus, Ohio, the criminal defense firm serves clients throughout Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, and Hilliard, as well as the surrounding counties of Licking County, Newark, Heath, Granville, Fairfield County, Lancaster, Pickerington, Delaware County, the City of Delaware, Lewis Center, and Powell.

Types of Medical Malpractice 

Medical malpractice covers a range of scenarios involving a medical professional's failure to meet the standard of care. The standard of care in medical cases is specific to the medical context but primarily refers to the requirement for a healthcare provider to provide the same level of care as they would when treating a similar patient. 

If a medical provider violates the standard of care, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. Some common medical malpractice cases include: 

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Where a healthcare provider's failure to correctly diagnose your condition results in harm or worsens your medical condition. 

• Surgical errors: Errors made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or causing unintended damage to organs. 

• Medication errors: Administering the incorrect dosage, prescribing the wrong medication, or failing to notice harmful drug interactions. 

• Birth injuries: Negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that causes unnecessary injury to the mother or child. 

• Anesthesia errors: Mistakes made during the administration of anesthesia, leading to serious complications or death. 

• Emergency room errors: Failure to provide a timely diagnosis or errors in providing treatment during emergency situations. 

• Nursing home negligence: Inadequate care or abuse of elderly residents in nursing homes. 

The dedicated attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, can help you determine whether you can a medical malpractice claim. If you believe you've been a victim of medical malpractice, contact their firm to explore your options for pursuing compensation. 

Possible Compensation Following Medical Malpractice 

If you have suffered an injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Some of the most common types of compensation include: 

• Medical expenses: Covers costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and any future or ongoing medical treatment. 

• Lost wages: Compensation for earnings lost due to your inability to work or future earnings lost if your injury prevents you from returning to work. 

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for any physical pain and emotional distress caused by the medical professional's negligence and resulting injury. 

• Long-Term care costs: Coverage for future medical care and rehabilitation for severe injuries. 

A knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you identify the compensation you might be eligible to receive and guide you on filing a medical malpractice claim. 

How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim 

If you suspect you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, you can file a lawsuit against the party who was responsible for your injuries. While filing a medical malpractice claim is a detailed and complicated process, you can follow these steps to strengthen your claim: 

1. Consult with a medical malpractice attorney: An attorney can help you evaluate the facts of your case, determine whether you have a viable claim, and guide you through the legal process. Be sure to provide all relevant medical records and documentation that correspond to your injury. 

2. Obtain an opinion from a medical expert: A medical expert can attest to whether your healthcare provider violated the standard of care. Your attorney will likely arrange for a qualified medical expert to review your records and provide a professional opinion on whether negligence occurred. 

3. File a notice of intent: Before formally filing a lawsuit, Ohio law requires you to provide your healthcare provider with a notice of intent to sue. This notice typically includes a summary of your allegations and the harm you suffered, offering the healthcare provider an opportunity to settle the claim without going to court. 

4. File a complaint: If no settlement can be reached, your attorney will help you draft and file a formal complaint. This document outlines the specific allegations, the evidence supporting your claim, and the damages you seek. The complaint must be filed within the one-year statute of limitations, as outlined by Ohio state law. 

5. Engage in discovery: After the complaint is filed, both parties engage in a discovery process to gather evidence. This may include depositions, interrogatories (written questions), and requests for medical records. Your aim should be to build a strong case. 

6. Attempt settlement negotiations: Work with your attorney to see whether you can secure fair compensation from the at-fault party without the need for a trial. If a mutually agreeable settlement is reached, the case can be resolved without going to court. 

7. Take your case to court: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Both sides will present their arguments, call witnesses, and submit evidence before a judge or jury. The judge or jury will then determine whether medical malpractice occurred and what compensation, if any, should be awarded. 

If either party is dissatisfied with the trial outcome, they may file an appeal. However, the appeals process can be lengthy and may delay the final resolution of your case.

By following these steps and working with a skilled medical malpractice attorney, you can more confidently file a medical malpractice claim and pursue justice and compensation. 

How Can a Medical Malpractice Attorney Help? 

Medical malpractice claims often involve dealing with healthcare providers, insurers, and substantial medical expenses. A competent medical malpractice attorney can help ease these burdens and guide you through the process of filing a claim.  

The attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC are committed to delivering experienced and dedicated legal counsel to help you seek justice and fair compensation. 

Medical Malpractice FAQs 

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Ohio? 

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is one year from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury. An experienced attorney can help you investigate your case and file your claim within the legal time frame. 

How is liability determined in a medical malpractice case? 

Liability is established by demonstrating that the healthcare provider's actions deviated from the accepted standard of care, directly causing harm. This involves examining medical records, expert testimonies, and industry standards to identify medical negligence and that your injuries were the direct result of the healthcare provider's actions or inactions. 

Are there damage caps in Ohio for medical malpractice cases? 

Yes, Ohio has a cap on non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) for medical malpractice cases. The current cap is $250,000 or three times the amount of economic damages, whichever is greater.