Hundreds of people in Washington state suffer injuries due to medical malpractice every year. These injuries can lead to life-long health issues, permanent impairments and even death. A medical malpractice lawsuit can be complicated and requires the help of an experienced attorney. However, there are some basic rules that you should be aware of when filing a medical negligence claim in Washington.
The Washington State Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Timeline
Like many states, Washington has a statute of limitations, or deadline, for filing a medical malpractice claim. Generally, victims have three years from the date of their injury or discovery of malpractice to file a civil action. However, the state also has a “discovery rule.” This means that if you didn’t discover your injury or malpractice until later, you can still bring a lawsuit within a certain period of time.
In addition to the discovery rule, minors get a special exception when it comes to the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. In the 1995 case Gilbert v. Sacred Heart Medical Center, the Supreme Court of Washington established that minors can file a medical malpractice lawsuit on their own or wait until they turn 18. This is an important point to keep in mind when filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
When to Contact a WA Med Mal Attorneys
If you think that you were harmed by a WA Med Mal Attorneys professional, it is critical to consult with a Seattle or Tacoma medical malpractice attorney right away. This will allow them to gather relevant evidence, including medical records and witnesses, as well as establish the standard of care required by doctors in your particular field. A lawyer will also advise you of any potential time limits for bringing a claim.
While most people associate medical malpractice with doctors, the fact is that it can involve a wide variety of healthcare professionals. A seasoned lawyer will investigate all possible defendants to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
The Seattle-based firm of Bishop Legal focuses on cases involving medical negligence, including misdiagnoses and failure to diagnose, surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, pharmacy mix-ups and hospital-related infections. Its attorneys work to maximize compensation for clients’ medical costs, lost income, physical and emotional suffering and other damages. The law office offers free consultations in English and Spanish.
Miller & Wagner
The law firm of Miller & Wagner in Seattle represents injured patients who suffered injuries as a result of medical malpractice. Its lawyers have extensive experience in this area of the law and have obtained multimillion dollar jury verdicts and settlements. The team consists of medical malpractice specialists, nurses and former defense counsel for malpractice insurance companies. They can draw on their experience to assess a case’s strength and value and negotiate with insurance companies for the best possible outcome.
The Seattle-based firm of Thoeny Law Office helps injured individuals recover damages from physicians and healthcare providers whose actions fall below the standards of practice in their respective fields. Its lawyers represent clients throughout the Seattle metropolitan area. Founded in 1993, the firm handles personal injury and wrongful death claims, as well as medical malpractice cases. Its attorneys use expert witness testimony to establish negligence and quantify demand for medical treatment, lost earnings and other damages.
“Moseley Collins Law
701 5th Ave Suite 4200, Seattle, WA 98104
(800) 426-5550”