A federal jury in Massachusetts awarded a Boston man $18.4 million in damages after he filed a medical malpractice lawsuit claiming that his doctors failed to diagnose his HIV, which later developed into AIDS. The plaintiff claimed he had gone to see his doctor with complaints of facial paralysis and consented to have an HIV test. However, his doctor later cancelled the test because he thought the patient did not have risk factors for HIV. He hired an experienced Boston lawyer who successfully argued that the risk factors were present due to the man’s life and work history. Ignoring even some risk factors and failing to rule out an illness or disease can constitute medical malpractice and lead to Massachusetts medical malpractice lawsuits. An experienced Massachusetts medical malpractice lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice can occur when a doctor or health care provider makes a mistake in the course of treatment that causes injury to a patient. Doctors are held to a certain standard of conduct due to the importance of the work they do. When treatment provided to a patient falls below that standard and causes injury, medical malpractice has occurred. For example, this can happen when a doctor fails to diagnose an illness or condition by not running the appropriate diagnostic tests under the circumstances. If you have been injured by the mistake of a doctor, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer to determine if you have a medical malpractice case.
Are Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Common?
Recent trends show that the numbers of medical malpractice cases being filed have dropped between the years 1992 and 2014. However, the amount paid in settlements and awards in successful medical malpractice cases has risen by 23% with the average payout being about $353,000.00. It is thought that the reasons for these trends include changes and certain reforms in medical malpractice law. It is important to discuss these issues with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who knows and understands the recent changes in medical malpractice law and can work to get you a favorable settlement or award.
Contact an Experienced Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the medical mistake of a doctor, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, among other losses. We work with experienced medical malpractice lawyers who can get you all the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us anytime toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) evaluation of your medical malpractice claim.
Source:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-awarded-18-4-million-in-lawsuit-over-failed-hiv-test/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-malpractice-lawsuits-fewer-claims-succeed-payouts-rise/
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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