When it comes to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families, our team at Keys Law Office takes pride in seamlessly navigating the complexities of these cases and securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Just as important, we ensure you’re involved in the process and not overwhelmed by legal jargon used by lawyers, insurance companies, and healthcare providers.
To that end, we have compiled a basic list of medical malpractice terms you will likely hear throughout your case. Having a basic understanding of these terms ahead of time can reduce confusion and ensure you feel confident about how your case is being handled.
Common Medical Malpractice Terms You and Your Family Need To Know
While not an exhaustive list, you will likely hear these terms after filing a claim and speaking with an attorney.
Medical malpractice
Any act or omission by a health provider during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.
Medical negligence
A failure to meet the standard of care and skill a patient should reasonably expect from a healthcare provider.
Medical misdiagnosis
When a doctor fails to recognize the exact condition or illness their patient is dealing with. For instance, a doctor might mistake chest pain for indigestion rather than a potential heart attack.
Delayed diagnosis
When the correct diagnosis is made but is delayed longer than it should have been, resulting in harm. Timely treatment is critical regardless of the reason you are visiting a doctor.
Informed consent
A legal requirement for a healthcare provider to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a treatment to a patient before proceeding. Essentially, the doctor informs you ahead of time to receive your consent to continue.
Surgical error
Any omission or mistake that should not have happened during or after a surgical procedure. For instance, surgical instruments may be accidentally left inside a patient or a doctor operating on the wrong body part.
Wrongful death
This claim is a form of personal injury legal action filed on behalf of the deceased victim. The goal is to hold the responsible party accountable for the death of your loved one.
Birth injury
Negligent harm caused to a baby or mother during labor and delivery.
Liability
Being responsible for what happened. For instance, a doctor can be found liable for negligence that caused a birth injury.
Independent medical examination
A separate medical evaluation performed by a third party after a patient has been harmed or injured. The defense team requests IMEs to assess and validate the plaintiff’s injuries.
Plaintiff
The injured party or family member who has filed a medical malpractice claim.
Defendant
The presumed at-fault healthcare person(s) or entity.
Damages
This refers to the amount of money awarded to you for loss, injury, or harm suffered as a result of medical malpractice.
Expert witness
A professional who testifies on your behalf about the standard of care and whether it was breached.
Statute of limitations
This law limits how long a victim or their family members have to file a medical malpractice claim.
Deposition
A sworn statement about the facts of the case made during the discovery stages of your medical malpractice claim.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what is going on with your case.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!