Shook and Stone is a premier personal injury law firm in Reno, Nevada. With over 25 years of experience in medical negligence law, our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a medical professional, contact us today for a free consultation with a Reno medical malpractice lawyer. We will review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
When a doctor or healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care, and that deviation causes an injury to a patient, it is considered medical malpractice. There are many different types of medical negligence, but some common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Birth injuries
- Emergency room errors
- Medication errors
- Premature discharge
- Filing to take patient history
- Failure to recognize symptoms
How Do Medical Malpractice Cases Happen?
Medical malpractice cases can arise in a number of ways, but they all have one thing in common: they are the result of negligence on the part of a medical professional.
Medical professionals have a duty to provide care that meets a certain standard. When they fail to do so, and their patients are injured as a result, they may be held liable in a medical malpractice claim.
Types of Medical Malpractice
There are many different types of medical malpractice, but some of the most common include:
- Surgical errors – such as performing surgery on the wrong body part
- Anesthesia errors – such as administering too much or too little anesthesia
- Birth injuries – such as causing a spinal cord injury during delivery
- Misdiagnosis – such as failing to diagnose a serious condition
- Medication errors – such as prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
- Sexual Misconduct – such as sexual assault or battery
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Reno Service Providers and Medical Malpractice
Reno is home to a number of excellent service providers, but even the best can make mistakes. Professions that are capable of medical negligence are:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Anesthesiologists
- Surgeons
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Chiropractors
- Dietitians
- Pediatricians
- Optometrists
- Dentists
Reno hospitals that have been involved in medical malpractice cases include:
- Renown Regional Medical Center
- Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center
- Northern Nevada Medical Center
What Are the Steps to Take in a Medical Malpractice Claim?
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights.
The first step is to contact an experienced Reno medical malpractice attorney. He or she will review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
The next step is to file a claim with the proper court. This must be done within a certain time frame, or you may lose your right to compensation.
Once your claim has been filed, the court will schedule a hearing. At this hearing, both sides will present their evidence and arguments. The court will then make a decision on whether or not to award compensation.
If you are awarded compensation, the medical professional or facility responsible for your injuries will be required to pay it. If they fail to do so, they may be held in contempt of court.
Nevada Malpractice Laws
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is two years. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the date of the injury, or you will be barred from doing so.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If the injured party is a minor child, the two-year time period does not begin to run until the child turns 18. If the injured party is mentally incompetent, the time period does not begin to run until he or she becomes competent again.
Comparative Fault in Nevada Malpractice Cases
Nevada is a comparative fault state when it comes to medical malpractice. This means that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for his or her own injuries, his or her recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to him or her.
For example, if an injured party is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 20% at fault, he or she will only recover $80,000.
It is important to note that if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, he or she will not be able to recover any damages.
How Can I Protect Myself from Medical Malpractice?
The best way to protect yourself from medical malpractice is to be an informed and active patient. Get second opinions about your condition or ailment. Make sure you understand all the risks involved in any procedure you are undergoing. Ask your doctor questions if you don’t understand something.
Pay attention to your own body and be aware of any changes that occur after a medical treatment. Report any changes or concerns to your doctor immediately.
Keep all of your medical records in a safe place. This will be important if you ever need to file a claim.
Medical Providers and Insurance Companies
If you have been injured by a medical provider, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are many people who have been through the same thing and have successfully recovered compensation for their injuries.
You should also know that medical providers and insurance companies are not always on your side. They will often try to downplay your injuries or deny your claim outright. That is why it is so important to have an experienced Reno medical negligence attorney on your side.
A qualified lawyer will know how to deal with these companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Consultation with a Reno Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you have been the victim of medical negligence, or if you think you might have a claim with a doctor, health care facility, or other provider, reach out to a Reno medical malpractice lawyer today at Shook & Stone.
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