Oklahoma’s Finest Medical Malpractice Attorney Sheds Light on Medical Malpractice
No longer are medical malpractice cases considered an anomaly in the United States. According to data collected over 10 years (2006-2016) by the National Practitioner Data Bank, more than 600,000 people filed malpractice cases across the nation. Of these, 15,649 of them originated from Oklahoma.
The term medical malpractice should therefore not be taken lightly. A medical malpractice consists of any harm, injury, or death resulting from the negligence of healthcare professionals.
Most Common Cause of Malpractice
Most medical errors responsible for harming patients are preventable. In fact, poor communication earns the dubious title of No. 1 among sources of such errors. The jagged line of communication not only extends between different healthcare staffs, but also between doctors and patients.
What can result from miscommunication? Errors in distributing and administering medication is one of the most common ramifications, and one which can prove fatal all too often. For example, patients may be prescribed a dosage that proves incompatible with their body’s system or a pre-existing condition. Alternatively, a patient may receive a medication that causes an allergy to flare, resulting in further damage to their health.
Substandard treatment ranks as the second most common cause for medical malpractice. The Centers for Disease Control summarized that 1 of every 25 patients in America stand at risk of contracting an infection during hospitalization. This dismal result can easily be prevented by adoption of better hygiene and sterilization methods among medical staff.
Oklahoma’s Medical Malpractice Law
In accordance with Oklahoma law, the statute of limitations of medical malpractice cases allows a plaintiff two years from the date the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury to file a claim. This law follows a rigid adherence in civil court.
A medical malpractice suit in Oklahoma involves filing the initial complaint, as well as a sworn statement from you, the plaintiff, that a strong basis exists for filing the lawsuit. You and your attorney must also produce an expert medical witness to testify before the court that the defendant’s negligence amounts to medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice cases can take a toll on not only the victim but also all the other persons affected. To lodge a successful claim, make sure you hire an experienced medical malpractice attorney who is familiar with the law in Oklahoma. You can then rest assured that your case will be handled and you will receive a just outcome.
For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
Sources
Statute of Limitations in Oklahoma, NOLO.com
10 Things You Want to Know about Medical Malpractice, Forbes.com