What Is Medical Malpractice? A Guide For Patients In Connecticut

Malpractice

Medical malpractice is defined as an action or inaction of a doctor, nurse or any other medical personnel that renders a patient worse off. It is negligence by a healthcare professional in the delivery of services that results in compounding the current situation of a patient. 

The standard of care is referred to as the care level and skill that an ordinary prudent health care provider would give under similar conditions. Deviations from this standard are likely to result in malpractice suits.

Cases That Warrant You Speaking to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Connecticut

a. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis 

You may require a medical malpractice lawyer Connecticut if your condition was diagnosed incorrectly or if your diagnosis was delayed, and it caused you harm.

b. Birth Injuries 

The same applies if a healthcare provider’s negligence has led to an injury during childbirth for the mother or the child.

c. Surgical Errors 

Surgical operations that lead to harm or other mishaps might warrant legal help.

d. Medication Mistakes 

Inaccurate prescriptions or administration mistakes may have negative repercussions, and you should consult a legal practitioner.

e. Lack of Informed Consent

When a doctor does not seek the right consent before going further with a procedure, the patient has the right to sue for medical malpractice.

Legal Framework for Medical Malpractice in Connecticut

Like any other jurisdiction, Connecticut has its set down procedures regarding the filing of medical malpractice cases. Knowledge in these areas can assist the patients to better be in a position to handle the legal matters that affect them.

For instance, actions resulting from medical malpractice in Connecticut have to be filed in the courts within two years of when the person who is filing the case could reasonably have realized that the act was a case of medical malpractice. This period is rather crucial since any intent following this period is often thrown out of court and this consequently erases the claimant’s right to compensation.

Certificate of Good Faith

Connecticut has an extra step for filing medical malpractice which is the filing of a certificate of good faith. This certificate has to be attached to the complaint and should contain a written and signed opinion from a similar healthcare provider that there is reasonable cause for the lawsuit. Its purpose is to discourage filing of speculative or unjustified cases, and to promote the filing of genuine cases in court.

Advantages of Working With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Connecticut

a. Objective Evaluation

Speaking to a lawyer means you get a professional point of view of the case and potential issues or advantages you may have.

b. Negotiation Skills 

Attorneys are experienced negotiators who can help negotiate with insurance firms as well as lawyers on the opposite sides of the argument for a satisfactory settlement.

c. Court Representation 

In the case of a trial, a lawyer is there for you in court, submitting documents and persuading the judge or jury in order to get the best result(s).

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