Despite advances in medical technology, medical errors still happen. In fact, a 2016 Johns Hopkins University study revealed that 440,000 Americans lose their lives annually due to errors made by healthcare providers. In fact, medical errors are the third-leading cause of fatality in the U.S.
When a medical error results in injury, you may pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital or healthcare provider. However, given the high threshold of proving fault, it is not surprising that most medical malpractice lawsuits end in denial.
Here are common mistakes you need to avoid while filing your medical malpractice claim.
1. Not realizing that the insurance company doesn’t care about your injuries
Medical malpractice claims are often a tough nut to crack because the healthcare provider’s insurers are dedicated to protecting their own bottom line. As such, they may try to apply heavy pressure on a victim to either forgo their claim entirely or take less than they deserve.
2. Settling too early or for too little because you’re afraid of a court battle
Sometimes, the negligence victims agree to an early settlement to avoid a potentially lengthy and costly court process. While settling the matter out of court can be a good idea for some people, you need to be prepared for the legal battle ahead. If you signal to the insurance company that you’d much rather settle, that can trigger a lowball offer that just isn’t fair.
3. Filing too late to assert your right to compensation
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice injury is two years. Your claim will be denied if you file your lawsuit after the expiry of the statute of limitations.
When a treatment procedure goes wrong, you deserve justice. Find out how you can pursue the claims you deserve when you sustain an injury at the hands of a healthcare provider.
