Seattle Medical Errors Lawyer

Most people don’t think that a routine office visit or minor surgery will result in injury, illness, or death. But nevertheless, it happens. Medical personnel make mistakes — sometimes negligently. They deviate from the established standard of care and fail to observe safety precautions built into standard medical procedures and processes.

When you or a loved one is injured or dies as a result of medical errors, it’s important to learn about your options. You may be eligible for compensation — compensation that will pay for medical care, home health care, and replace lost wages if your injury leaves you unable to work.

At Elk & Elk, our Seattle medical errors attorneys will explore all options to obtain the resources you need and deserve after a medical error leaves you wondering about the future. To discuss your case and learn how we can help, call us at 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378)​ or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Hire Elk & Elk for Your Medical Error Case in Seattle?

Our law firm is characterized by experience, resources, and results. We have been in business for over 50 years and are big enough to have significant resources — a network of nationally known experts, in-house nurses, and the ability to handle your case on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

We believe our results are second to none and have won the largest awards in many counties in Ohio, our home state. Our combined total for secured compensation exceeds $1 billion, highlighting our commitment to getting results. These are just a few of the reasons you should consider our firm if you have suffered the consequences of a medical error in the Seattle area.

Why Hiring an Attorney Is Important in a Medical Errors Case

Getting the help of an attorney is an important first step when assessing the case of a medical error. These types of mistakes can have lasting consequences on an individual, impacting their lives and those of their children, parents, and other loved ones for an unspecified amount of time. A medical errors attorney is here to help you secure rightful compensation.

  • Your attorney will consult with you on the best steps to take following the medical mistake in the hospital or care center.
  • The lawyer will consult with medical professionals who can review and assess your case in a timely manner.
  • The medical errors attorney will collect and file all of the proper documentation after determining liability and going through hospital files on your case.
  • Your Seattle personal injury lawyer will also work diligently to obtain the best settlement possible. If an insurance carrier refuses a fair settlement, an attorney will have no problem taking your case to court.

Examples of Medical Error Cases in Washington State

Our lawyers handle cases involving all types of medical errors, including:

  • Failing to diagnose cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses
  • Failing to order standard tests
  • Failing to treat in a timely way
  • Administering too much or too little anesthesia
  • Leaving instruments inside a patient during a procedure
  • Failing to properly monitor patients after surgery
  • Failing to take an adequate history of a patient before treating

Each of these errors can lead to injury, illness, or death. If you believe a mistake was made because the provider failed to follow the approved standard of care, you may be eligible for compensation. This can give you the resources to pay your medical bills, replace lost income, and provide for in-home medical care.

Types of Injuries That Could Be Caused After Medical Negligence

There are many different types of injuries that someone could experience following a medical error. It is very important to remember that many of these injuries can have long-lasting implications on the health of an individual. Additionally, the financial impacts of these injuries can cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars – even many years after the initial mistake occurs.

  • Paralysis
  • Coma
  • Loss of unintended limbs or appendages
  • Infection
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Excessive experience of pain, passing out
  • Breakage or fracture of bones
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Organ damage or failure
  • Damage to the senses
  • Death

According to one study, medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the United States. As some of these injuries can be serious and time-consuming, it is important to keep statutes of limitation in mind: that is, how long you actually have to file your medical errors claim.

Statute of Limitations in Washington State

In the state of Washington, RCW 4.16.350 dictates that an “action for injuries resulting from health care or related services” may have a three-year period of time from the time of the medical error to begin their legal proceeding. In the case that an injury is discovered at a later date (or should have been discovered at a later date), the victim is then given one year’s time to file their claim.

Although this may seem like ample time to file a claim, the process of building a solid case can be quite time-consuming. Ensuring that we have ample time to investigate, determine liability, and follow all of the proper guidelines outlined when filing a claim for a medical error is critical to ensure you eventually secure maximum compensation. At Elk & Elk, we advise that it is crucial you reach out to a medical errors attorney at your earliest convenience.

Call for a Free Consultation

Contact Elk & Elk for a free consultation with a Seattle medical errors attorney. By doing so, you will be increasing your chances for larger sums of compensation that may be helpful when correcting the medical error you suffered. Our lawyers’ transparent style of communication and experience in medical injury law will give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Call 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or click here for an online contact form to schedule your appointment. Learn how we can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve after a medical error leaves you injured or sick.