Medical Malpractice FAQ
Answers you can trust from Columbus, OH lawyers
Medical malpractice cases can be very complicated but finding accurate information about medical malpractice can be even harder. There’s so much information out there, knowing who or what to believe can be confusing. That’s why our Central Ohio law firm created this page focused on the most frequently asked questions about medical malpractice.
Our Columbus medical malpractice attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC know what to do because we have years of experience handling medical malpractice cases. We thoroughly understand Ohio’s rules and regulations governing medical malpractice, as well as any applicable federal laws. We know how to investigate these claims, and we have the case results to prove it.
What is your medical malpractice question?
Learning more about medical practice is important, but it’s critical to take legal action as soon as possible if you suspect that you or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice. Your health and well-being could be at risk. In addition, in most cases, you often only have a limited amount of time to take legal action.
Learn more about your legal options. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation. Best of all, you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. Talk to a Columbus medical malpractice lawyer at our law firm today. We can fight to bring you justice.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice is a legal term used to describe an injury or illness caused by mistakes made by medical professionals, including doctors, surgeons and nurses. This is because medical professionals are held to a high standard and must follow certain strict practices and protocols. When they fail to take precautions and someone sustains a serious injury or illness due to their actions (or inaction), medical malpractice victims can take legal action against them in many cases.
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What are common medical malpractice cases?
Medical malpractice cases can cover a wide range. Some of the most common – and most serious – types of medical malpractice cases we handle at our law firm include:
Whatever type of medical malpractice case you’re dealing with in Ohio, our Columbus law firm can investigate your claim and offer you advice on the best approach for your specific injury or illness.
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How do you know if you have a medical malpractice case?
In general, you will likely need a medical malpractice lawyer to investigate your claim. Your attorney will need to find evidence that proves that a medical professional acted in a reckless or negligent manner. An experienced attorney knows how to find this evidence and can work with you to build the strongest possible legal case.
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Who investigates medical malpractice cases?
Often, it’s up to you to prove that medical malpractice occurred. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced medical malpractice attorney investigating your claim. Don’t simply assume that the doctor or hospital that harmed you will admit wrongdoing. In most cases, many medical professionals or institutions refuse to admit doing anything wrong. That’s why it’s critical that you have our legal team on your side, thoroughly investigating your medical malpractice claim. Otherwise, you might not get the justice you rightfully deserve.
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How much time do I have to report medical malpractice in Ohio?
Ohio has very strict rules and regulations when it comes to medical malpractice claims. In general, you only have one year from the date your injury or illness occurred to report your concerns and take legal action, including filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you could miss out on your opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you deserve for your medical malpractice-related expenses.
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Should I talk to an insurance company if they contact me about my medical malpractice claim?
No. We strongly advise to talk to an attorney at our Central Ohio law firm and have them deal directly with any insurance companies that contact you about your medical malpractice claim. Often, insurance investigators are simply fishing for information they can use to reduce or deny your medical malpractice claim. We know how to deal effectively with insurance companies. We can be your advocate for justice.
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Should I accept a settlement offer for my medical malpractice claim?
While it may be tempting to accept a settlement offer for your medical malpractice claim, insurance companies often make lowball offers that don’t even come close to covering all your medical malpractice-related expenses. One of our attorneys can help you review any settlement offer you receive and help you decide if you should accept their offer. We have your best interests at heart at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC.
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How much is my medical malpractice case worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to medical malpractice claims because the amount of compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the specific details of your case. In general, many medical malpractice claims turn out to be very significant – from several hundred thousand to several million dollars. The bottom line is you should be compensated for all your medical malpractice-related expenses. You didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. That’s why our medical malpractice lawyers take these types of cases so seriously at our Columbus law firm.
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What does my medical malpractice claim cover?
Your medical malpractice claim should cover all expenses related to your injury or illness, and not just in the short term. Your settlement or verdict should cover all related expenses, now and in the future. Medical malpractice expenses can include:
- Emergency medical care to treat your medical malpractice injury or illness
- Ambulance fees
- Overnight hospital fees
- Medical diagnostic tests
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Replacement income during your recovery
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work
- Funeral expenses if your loved one died due to medical malpractice
- Pain and suffering, in certain circumstances
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Can I file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a medical professional or hospital?
In most cases, yes, you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the at-fault medical professional or hospital responsible for your injury or illness. However, it’s strongly recommended to take legal action with the assistance of a medical malpractice attorney. Trying to take on medical professionals or institutions on your own can be an overwhelming task. Many doctors, surgeons and other medical personnel hire entire teams of attorneys to defend their actions. We can help you level the playing field. We can vigorously fight for your rights.
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How much time do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Ohio?
In Ohio, you only have one year from the date you sustained an injury or illness due to medical malpractice to file a lawsuit against the at-fault medical professional or institution. One year can go by very fast, especially if you’re recovering from a serious injury or illness inflicted by an inexperienced or reckless medical professional. Get the help you need now with your medical malpractice lawsuit. Contact our law firm right away.
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Why should I hire a medical malpractice lawyer?
There are many reasons why you should hire an experienced medical malpractice attorney. The bottom line is, a lawyer can and should make sure your injury or illness receives the attention it rightfully deserves. Medical institutions and their attorneys will likely do everything they can to dismiss your claim or discredit your testimony. We can be your advocate for justice. We can investigate your claim. We can consult with medical experts if necessary. We can negotiate on your behalf, and we can fight for your rights in the courtroom, if necessary. This may be your only opportunity for justice, so seize it. Contact our Columbus law firm and schedule your free case evaluation today.
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