Medical malpractice in Connecticut refers to the legal misconduct performed by one or several healthcare personnel that has a negative impact on the patient—due to negligent behaviors or inactions that do not meet the expected standard of care from the specific professional. It can range from wrong diagnosis, wrong treatment or surgery, wrong medication dosages, etc.
If you or your loved one has been injured due to a medical professional’s negligence, you may think of a medical malpractice claim. But it can be very tiring to try and understand the legal process in Connecticut let alone trying to do so when still in the recovery process of the accident.
When it comes to this area of the law, it is advised that you seek proper advice from a qualified Connecticut malpractice attorney. Below are the steps that the Connecticut malpractice attorney will walk you through.
Filing the Lawsuit
The most basic requisite in building a medical negligence case is to determine if malpractice has taken place or not. It mostly begins with getting a ‘reasonable inquiry certificate’ which is basically an affirmation from a qualified health care provider that it confirms that there appears as though there was medical malpractice. This certificate is invaluable to filing a lawsuit, as it provides the foundation for the claim under Connecticut law.
Discovery Phase
This phase is crucial because it is during this that the patient and the medical professional are able to gather proof to back their claim. It includes acquiring documents, various health records, and what is referred to as a deposition interview. Your attorney will help you go through this process, collect all the required paperwork, and explain what kind of questions you might be asked at the deposition interview.
Negotiations and Settlement
As opposed to a trial, settlements can often be a faster approach for patients, giving them some measure of restitution. Depending on the discussions between your attorney and the other party’s attorney, an out-of-court settlement can be agreed and paid, to cater for factors such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses which may include things like pain and suffering.
Going to Trial
If the two parties fail to come to an agreement then the issue will go to court. A trial can take time, and your lawyer has a major role in presenting your case and then pursuing the goal of a positive result.
Conclusion
Suing a physician for medical malpractice is not an easy experience, but knowing what to expect helps reduce stress. Every stage, starting from filing the case to possible trial, entails compliance with certain procedures and rules of law that are applicable in Connecticut. If you have received substandard treatment in a health facility and believe that it was a malpractice, seeking legal services of a professional Connecticut malpractice attorney will help you in your fight. It is important to bear in mind that no one should be on this journey alone and there are legal professionals out there who are willing to assist.
