Recovering Lost Earning Potential after a Medical Error Ends Your Career

The Legal Definition of Medical Malpractice

Medical errors and negligence are never acceptable. Thousands of people die every year due to medical malpractice. Many more are harmed and suffer life-long consequences. When these things happen, it is devastating to patients and their families. But what is the difference between a true accident and medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice is defined as “any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes injury to the patient.”

To be considered medical malpractice legally, the following four conditions must be met:

  • The healthcare worker (doctor, nurse, etc.) owed a professional duty of care to the patient
  • The healthcare worker violated their duty of care
  • The patient was injured because the healthcare worker breached their duty of care
  • The patient’s injury resulted in the patient suffering damages, including both economic and noneconomic

Review our blog to learn more about the elements of a medical malpractice claim.

Common Medical Mistakes That Can Impact Patient Health

Unfortunately, medical malpractice is startlingly common and can take many forms. Medical mistakes can also be made by more than just doctors and nurses. All healthcare workers have an impact on patient health and well-being, from hospital workers to pharmacists.

Common medical errors include:

  • Misdiagnosis
  • Delayed diagnosis
  • Surgical errors
  • Imaging errors
  • Misreading test, lab, or imaging results
  • Childbirth injuries
  • Prescription errors

Poor monitoring of patients, as well as inappropriate or inadequate management of patients’ medical conditions, can also lead to unnecessary patient deaths. Even administrative errors can have catastrophic or deadly consequences.

Seeking Compensation for Lost Earning Potential

When someone is injured due to medical malpractice, they can find themselves struggling financially as a result. This is not just because of extensive medical bills. When someone is injured because of a medical error, they may have to take time off of work to deal with an extended recovery. Relatedly, they may also face a temporary or long-term disability that can affect their long-term earning capacity.

The aftermath of a medical error or medical negligence can cause the injured party and their families to experience serious financial insecurity. Filing a medical malpractice claim may be the only way to recover economically. It is also the best way to hold the responsible party/parties accountable for their negligence or recklessness.

After a medical error, you may be entitled to compensation for economic damages associated with the following:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost wages, past and future
  • Lost earning potential

You may also be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages as well, including pain and suffering, or in cases where someone has lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, they may be able to recover damages associated with the loss of their loved one’s companionship and support.

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

Suppose you or a loved one was harmed because of a medical error, negligence, or other situation that you believe may be medical malpractice. In that case, you should contact our law firm to discuss your situation. Proving a medical malpractice case can be complicated, and the laws surrounding medical malpractice are complex. At Golomb Legal., we understand what you are up against and know what you are going through. Our team of Philadelphia-based attorneys is highly experienced, and we are prepared to use their knowledge and insight to help you and your family.

Have more questions about medical malpractice? Reach out to our legal team. At Golomb Legal. we know how devastating a medical error can be, and our attorneys are standing by to discuss your case today.

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