How Can I File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

Patients who suffer an injury or illness as a result of substandard medical care may be eligible for compensation. It can be difficult to know where to start, especially as they try to continue their recovery. The Edwardsville medical malpractice lawyers are here to help victims of medical negligence through every step of their case.

When a patient believes they have been the victim of medical malpractice, they should speak to the person who treated them. The provider can give them more details about their condition and why certain treatment decisions were made. If it is possible for them to fix the problem, often they will do so free of charge. Patients should thoroughly document these conversations and their treatments, along with copies of their medical records.

If the issue is not resolved by contacting the provider, patients can contact the medical licensing board that oversees their doctor or practitioner. The board cannot order the doctor to compensate you for your injuries, but they can issue them a warning or take other disciplinary action, and they can provide guidance about next steps.

Obtaining a Certificate of Merit

To determine whether they have a medical malpractice case, the patient will need to consult with another medical professional. A doctor can evaluate their circumstances to see if their injury or illness was caused by the negligent actions of your healthcare provider. If the case involves medical malpractice, they will give the patient a certificate of merit, which will be filed as part of the lawsuit.  This is required in most courts to prevent frivolous lawsuits.

The patient can provide notice to insurance companies or healthcare facilities that will be involved in the case. In some cases, the insurance company may investigate themselves and offer to settle the case out of court; in others, they may try to deny compensation for a variety of reasons. A medical malpractice lawyer can help liaise between the patient and the insurance company and ensure that the case is handled fairly.

Patients who wish to file a lawsuit have a limited amount of time to do so from when the injury occurred. Each state has its own statute of limitations, and it is important for patients to know their deadline. The patient’s medical malpractice lawyer will guide the patient through the process and make sure they have fulfilled any pre-suit requirements.

Edwardsville Medical Malpractice Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Help Victims Receive the Compensation They Deserve

If you suffered from the negligence of a medical professional, the Edwardsville medical malpractice lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC have the knowledge and experience to handle all types of medical malpractice cases. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and will thoroughly review the facts of your case to ensure that the claim is filed properly. With offices conveniently located in Swansea, Illinois, we help victims of medical negligence throughout Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County. Call us today at 618-277-3644 or contact us online for a free consultation.