Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a broad term used to describe any treatment, lack of treatment, or other departure from accepted medical standards that result in injury or death to a patient. Generally speaking, a medical malpractice claim may be made against anyone who provides medical or health care to a patient, including, physicians, registered nurses, hospitals, dentists, nursing homes, and pharmacists.

There are various types of medical malpractice claims, many involve mistakes or recklessness demonstrated during a medical procedure or patient’s surgery. Other examples of medical malpractice include: failing to diagnose a disease, failing to prescribe proper medication, failing to inform a patient of available treatments, and/or continuing a medical treatment that has been shown to be ineffective. Regardless of where and how medical malpractice occurred, a claimant must usually satisfy the four following elements:

1. the health care provider owed a duty to the patient;
2. the health care provider breached that duty;
3. the patient suffered an injury; and
4. the patient suffered damages to his/her person and/or economically.

If a breach is established but resulted in no harm to the patient, a claimant generally has no right to recovery. Likewise, not every poor result can be blamed on medical malpractice. However, one usually develops a "gut feeling" when something goes wrong and if you sense you could have been a victim of medical malpractice, you should contact us immediately.

We will look into your matter and consult with our on-staff medical professionals to determine if you have a case. This process typically involves obtaining and reviewing past medical records and other pertinent information leading up to the claim. Claims for medical malpractice require a considerable amount of time to conduct an appropriate medical and legal investigation and statutes do apply.

Your health is one of your top priorities. Make sure you choose a doctor that feels the same way. Check his/her Physician Profile for background information and more on the Connecticut Department of Public Health's website. You can also access the most recent Adverse Event Report.

Read AAJ's 2011 report on medical negligence in our country and what role the justice system plays in protecting patients' rights.

AAJ's Medical Negligence Fact Sheet

Suspect you were a victim of medical malpractice? Get help recognizing your symptoms.

Having surgery? Safeguard your loved ones, and yourself, by asking the doctor/surgeon these important questions.