Poor kidney function can lead to a variety of conditions and can greatly impair a person’s overall health. Thus, it is important for anyone suffering from a disease that affects the kidneys to seek treatment from a competent nephrologist. Unfortunately, while nephrologists must undergo extensive preparation prior to treating patients, they do not always provide care that comports with their training, which can lead to significant health concerns. If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to nephrology malpractice, it is advisable to speak to a lawyer to discuss what compensation you may be owed. The Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group are adept at helping people hurt by incompetent health care providers in the pursuit of damages, and we can develop compelling arguments to help you seek the best legal outcome available under the circumstances.
Harm Caused by Nephrology MalpracticeNephrologists specialize in treating illnesses that affect the kidneys, such as nephritis, renal failure, and chronic kidney disease. They also monitor conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and urinary tract infections that may impact kidney health. This usually requires extensive testing, such as blood work and diagnostic imaging, to determine not only the extent of the patient’s disorder but also to assess an appropriate plan of action to maintain or improve a patient’s health. If a nephrologist fails to order the tests needed to properly diagnose a patient, fails to monitor a patient’s health, or prescribes a treatment that is improper or inadequate, such nephrology malpractice can adversely affect a patient’s condition, leading to grave health concerns.
Recovering Compensation from a Negligent NephrologistIn Maryland, people who are injured by inadequate medical care have the right to seek damages from the provider that caused their harm. In most instances, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit will allege a medical negligence claim against the defendant. To recover under such a claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty, but the defendant acted in a manner that should be considered a breach of the duty owed.
In cases in which a negligence claim is asserted against a nephrologist, the duty owed will be the duty to provide treatment that a competent nephrologist, with the same skills and resources as the defendant, would provide under similar circumstances. Typically, the plaintiff must hire a medical expert who either practices in the same specialty as the defendant or has other relevant experience to explain both the standard that applies to the defendant and how the defendant’s behavior constitutes a breach of the standard.
Damages will only be awarded, however, if it is established not only that the defendant breached the standard, but also that the breach proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer actual damages. In other words, it must be shown that the plaintiff would not have been harmed if the defendant’s behavior aligned with the standard of care. Usually, this must be demonstrated by expert testimony as well. Finally, the plaintiff must prove the losses suffered, which is usually shown by introducing evidence regarding the cost of any medical treatment the plaintiff had to undergo and will need in the future, as well as proof of any lost wages and out of pocket expenses. The plaintiff will usually be compensated for the intangible harm caused by the defendant’s negligence, such as any suffering, mental anguish, and pain the plaintiff endured.
Speak with a Lawyer in BaltimoreKidney conditions are often manageable with adequate care, but when a nephrologist fails to properly diagnose or treat a patient, it can lead to severe complications. If you suffered adverse health effects because of the negligence of the doctor managing your kidney disease, you may be owed monetary damages and should speak to a lawyer. At Arfaa Law Group, our capable attorneys possess the skills and resources needed to obtain a just outcome, and if you hire us, we will fight tirelessly to help you strive to protect your interests. We have an office in Baltimore where we frequently represent injured parties in medical malpractice lawsuits. You can reach us via our online form or at (410) 889-1850 to schedule a meeting.