Seattle Medical Malpractice FAQs

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on March 28, 2016

Any time you visit a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office, you’re putting your trust in health care professionals. When these professionals make a mistake, people get very hurt. Below is some information on medical malpractice laws in Washington.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice happens when a health care professional’s negligence lead to a patient’s injury. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and hospitals are among the health care professionals that can be held accountable in a medical malpractice claim.

What Constitutes a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

To secure a settlement for your medical malpractice lawsuit, you’ll need to prove the following three things:

• A health care professional performed in a way that failed their duty to keep you from suffering harm (A violation of the standard of care).
• Their actions or inactions were a direct cause of your injury (Proximate Cause).
• You were injured (Damages).

For a successful medical malpractice claim, you need to hire a Seattle attorney experienced in malpractice law. These cases aren’t easy. Building your medical malpractice case will require not only knowing Washington medical malpractice law, but how to collaborate with medical experts to prove your case.

Damage Caps for a Washington Medical Malpractice Claim

There is no cap on how much can be awarded for a medical malpractice claim in Washington. Other states have caps on damages taking into consideration the person’s annual wage and their life expectancy. Washington generally has no punitive damages.  Instead, compensatory damages are available to compensate the patient. Medical Malpractice Insurance is most often available to pay settlements or judgments in a successful verdict.

Washington Medical Malpractice Statute Of Limitations

Generally, in Washington, medical malpractice claims must be filed within three years of the date of the action that caused your injury. However, there are variations and exceptions to this rule. Because medical malpractice cases take significant time and effort to investigate, develop, and prepare, it is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. If you’ve been injured by the negligent actions of a health care provider, don’t hesitate to begin your claim.

Contact an Experience Washington Medical Malpractice Attorney

Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. has guided many people through medical malpractice claims. We’ve helped many people and their families secure settlements to help them heal and move on. Contact us today at (888) 228-3860.