Medical Malpractice Attorney
Our South Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawyers Explain Your Legal Rights
Did you know that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States? Only cancer and heart disease kill more Americans.
Tragically, more than 98,000 Americans die each and every year from medical errors that could have been prevented. From surgical errors to improper medication administration, mistakes in medical care can be costly and can result in serious life-threatening injuries and even death. When a doctor or healthcare professional acts negligently or recklessly, they can – and should – be held responsible. After all, they are held to the highest standard of care and deviating from that standard of care could cost patients their lives.
At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, our South Carolina medical malpractice lawyers have been standing up for patient rights for over 35 years. We have helped patients and families across the state seek justice and obtain the money they need to rebuild their lives after they’ve been harmed by medical negligence. In addition, we know that through litigation, we are also able to help medical institutions enact practices that can safeguard future patients and prevent deadly medical errors from continuing to hurt our community.
Our South Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorneys Fight For Patients’ Rights
When you’re injured because of a negligent or irresponsible healthcare professional, your whole life may be turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Even while you are struggling to recover from your injury, you may also be fighting insurance companies, drug manufacturers, medical device corporations, and medical institutions. They will have large legal teams on their side fighting for them every step of the way.You need someone on your side that you trust to fight for you.
At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, our South Carolina medical malpractice lawyers can assist you with any of the following medical malpractice claims:
- 1. Surgical errors
- 2. Misdiagnosed cancer
- 3. Failure or delay in diagnosing or treating illness or cancer
- 4. Medication errors
- 5. Nursing errors
- 6. Diagnostic errors
- 7. Birth injuries
- 8. Anesthesia errors
- 9. Defective medical devices
- 10. Lab errors
- 11. Hospital negligence and malpractice
- 12. Wrongful death
Do You Suspect Medical Malpractice?
Not every infection or adverse reaction will have resulted from medical malpractice. However, it is estimated that 20 percent of all patients who enter a hospital will suffer from a preventable medical error. If you believe that you or someone you love was a victim of medical malpractice, it is important to follow these steps:
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Steps 1 Keep Meticulous Records
Keep all medical receipts, prescriptions, and medical records. Document everything you can remember about your hospitalization or medical treatment and include dates, times, and any other important facts that could help your case. -
Steps 2 Obtain Copies of Evidence
Snap photos or take videos of injuries or of anything you believe may be important. Speak to eyewitnesses and keep copies of all correspondence with medical professionals during your care. -
Steps 31 Change Doctors
If you believe that malpractice has occurred, change doctors to avoid further issues and complications. Your doctor may be able to also give you a second opinion and could be helpful when proving malpractice has occurred. -
Steps 4 Contact an Attorney
Call an attorney at the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, immediately to begin investigating your incident and building your case.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys FAQ
Medical errors are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, a 2016 study published by British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggested medical errors are the third leading cause of death, only behind heart disease and cancer. Medical errors like misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes and diagnostic mistakes may kill as many as 251,000 U.S. patients each year. Injuries are another possible outcome of medical mistakes.
Survivors of medical errors may suffer permanent injuries that leave them disabled and unable to work. However, it may be possible for victims of medical malpractice or their loved ones to hold the hospital or care provider accountable.
Our South Carolina medical malpractice lawyers can help victims of medical malpractice, including grieving family members, review potential legal options for recovering damages. You can contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation. Continue reading to learn more about medical malpractice in South Carolina.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Licensed medical practitioners must provide services within the accepted standard of care. When a medical practitioner falls short of this standard, and a patient suffers harm as a result, then it is medical malpractice. Medical malpractice may entail certain actions or inaction. Whether a healthcare provider’s mistake qualifies as medical malpractice depends on the circumstances.
Doctors, nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists are examples of parties who may commit medical malpractice in South Carolina.
Can I Sue for Medical Malpractice?
You must be within the statute of limitations to sue for medical malpractice. The statute of limitations is how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In many cases, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is three years from the date of the action that caused the patient harm. However, the statute of limitations may begin when you discover the injury or illness.
Specifically, South Carolina Code of Laws section 15-3-545 states that this kind of case must be filed “within three years from the date of the treatment, omission, or operation giving rise to the cause of action or three years from date of discovery or when it reasonably ought to have been discovered, not to exceed six years from date of occurrence.” There are also exceptions where you can toll the statute of limitations.
Cases involving wrongful death have certain requirements. You would need to be an eligible person to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your loss. For instance, you would need to be the spouse, child, or in some cases parents of the decedent (deceased person). Heirs of the decedent may also be eligible under the right circumstances.
Due to the complexity of medical malpractice lawsuits in South Carolina, you should speak with an attorney at our firm for more information.
Who Can I Sue for Medical Malpractice?
- Doctors
- Hospitals
- Pharmacies
- Pharmacists
- Nursing homes
- Dentists
- Doctors offices
You can contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in South Carolina.
What Are Common Medical Mistakes in Malpractice Cases?
There are many different types of medical mistakes, including some that are so egregious they are called never events. Patients or their family members may file medical malpractice lawsuits for mistakes that include:
- Birth injuries
- Medical errors in emergency rooms
- Retained surgical items (leaving items behind after a surgical procedure)
- Medication errors
- Surgical errors
- Diagnostic mistakes (misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis)
Depending on the type of mistake, patients can die or suffer permanent injuries. Patients affected by retained surgical items may suffer from intense, consistent pain as well as infections. Certain types of birth injuries may lead to permanent brain damage and millions of dollars in damages.
What Compensation Can I Recover from a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Home modifications
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Transportation expenses
- Pain and suffering (capped)
How much compensation you can recover depends on the unique circumstances of your case. For more serious injuries, chances are the patient suffered more extensive damages and may be able to recover more as a result. However, you should speak with a medical malpractice attorney at our firm if you want more information about compensation.
Contact Our Rock Hill, South Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
If you’ve suffered an injury and you believe that your doctor or medical professional negligence is to blame, you need an experienced and compassionate medical malpractice lawyer on your side. At the Law Offices of Wilkerson, Jones & Wilkerson, our South Carolina medical malpractice attorneys know that a medical injury can cause significant trauma and harm to patients and their loved one.
A misdiagnosis or a surgical error could be life-threatening and cause horrific complications. We believe in holding negligent doctors, nurses, and medical professionals accountable for their recklessness and negligence.
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With offices conveniently located in Rock Hill and Lancaster, we are here when you need us. Call our Rock Hill personal injury attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
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