Preventative care is an integral part of maintaining health, and many people regularly visit internists to prevent, diagnose, and treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Many diseases are manageable if they are caught in the early stages, but sadly, internists do not always accurately diagnose their patients or prescribe the proper diagnostic tests or medications to treat a patient's condition. If you suffered an illness or injury due to an internist’s failure to provide appropriate medical care, it is sensible to speak with legal counsel regarding your potential claims. At the Arfaa Law Group, our skillful Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers are proficient at assisting people injured by malpractice in the pursuit of damages, and we will work zealously to help you seek a successful result.
Elements of an Internist Malpractice ClaimIf you suffered harm due to an internist's inadequate care, you may be able to pursue claims against the internist in a malpractice lawsuit. Generally, malpractice lawsuits allege the defendant doctor committed negligence and, therefore, should be held liable for the plaintiff's harm. A plaintiff seeking to establish a doctor was negligent must show that the doctor owed the plaintiff a duty of care. In a malpractice case, the duty owed is the duty to provide care that comports with the doctor's training and skill, and that a doctor in the same practice area would provide under similar circumstances.
After the plaintiff establishes a duty, he or she must then establish a breach of the duty. The defendant may have breached the duty through an act or omission. A common example of a breach committed by internists is the failure to diagnose a patient properly, or a delay in providing the correct diagnosis, which can result in disease progression or acute medical events. Prescribing an improper medication or an incorrect dosage of an appropriate medication may constitute a breach as well, as it can lead to adverse reactions and other harm. Similarly, the failure to prescribe the diagnostic tests needed to identify the cause of a patient's symptoms could also be considered a breach if it causes a detriment to the plaintiff's health.
After the plaintiff proves the doctor breached the duty owed, he or she must then show that the breach was the proximate cause of his or her harm. Typically, the plaintiff must engage a medical expert both to establish the breach and to link the breach to the plaintiff’s harm. Lastly, the plaintiff must prove that he or she suffered tangible damages due to the breach. A seasoned medical negligence lawyer can review your case to determine whether you may be able to establish a causal link and damages.
Damages You May Be Awarded in an Internist Malpractice LawsuitIf you can establish that you were harmed by the malpractice of an internal medicine doctor, you may be able to recover both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include the cost of any medical treatment you need for your harm, including prescriptions, adaptive devices, and any related expenses. You must prove that any treatment you underwent was necessary due to your harm, and that the cost of the services was reasonable and fair. If you were unable to work because of the injury or illness you sustained, you may also be awarded compensation for the loss of future earnings. Noneconomic damages are meant to compensate for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by your harm. The amount of noneconomic damages a person can recover in a medical malpractice lawsuit is limited under Maryland law, however.
Consult an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer in BaltimoreWhen an internist does not provide a patient with appropriate care, it can cause lasting harm and significant damages. If you were harmed by a negligent internal medicine physician in the Baltimore area, you can consult a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case. At the Arfaa Law Group, we will work tirelessly to gather the facts and evidence needed to help you seek to prove that your doctor should be held liable for your harm. We can be contacted via our online form or at 410-889-1850 to set up a free and confidential meeting to discuss your potential claims.