Disclaimer: Our law firm does not handle medical malpractice cases. This article is for informational purposes only. This does not constitute formal legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a medical mistake in Charlotte, North Carolina, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Whether you experienced a surgical error, misdiagnosis, medication mistake, or another form of negligence, a Charlotte medical malpractice lawyer can help. They will work diligently to hold the careless provider responsible for the injuries you’ve sustained.
How an Attorney Can Help With a Medical Malpractice Claim in Charlotte, NC
Medical errors can be life-changing and can leave victims with lasting impacts and hardships. Many victims aren’t sure what to do after being injured.
Medical providers and hospitals have teams of lawyers working hard to defend them against medical malpractice claims. Victims need someone fighting for them and ensuring their rights are protected.
When you hire an experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer to represent you, they will:
- Review medical records and investigate your claim to determine all causes of your injuries
- Identify all liable medical providers
- Gather evidence and work with expert witnesses to strengthen your claim
- Calculate the fair value of your claim
- File a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Negotiate to ensure you get a fair settlement
- When necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court
- Handle all correspondence and administrative tasks
Most medical malpractice attorneys work on a contingency fee basis*. They only get paid when clients recover compensation through a settlement or verdict. This means you won’t pay any attorney fees upfront or out-of-pocket. It also means that your attorney is personally invested in your case.
*Past results do not necessarily guarantee future results. No fee if no recovery. Fee computed before deducting expenses from gross recovery.
How Much Is My Medical Malpractice Case Worth?
Many injured parties face a financial crisis after being victims of medical malpractice. Medical bills, missed work, and added expenses can be overwhelming. The responsible party should be held accountable for their actions.
To ensure victims get the compensation they deserve, it’s vital to accurately determine the value of medical malpractice claims.
The factors that have the biggest impact on how much a case is worth are:
- The amount of medical expenses due to the injury
- Whether or not you’ll need ongoing medical care
- The impact the injury has on your ability to work and your personal life
- The amount of insurance coverage available
- Whether or not you’ll make a full recovery
An experienced malpractice attorney can review your case and determine the fair value of your claim. They’ll gather evidence and build a strong case to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.
What Damages Are Available to Medical Malpractice Victims in North Carolina?
If you successfully bring a medical malpractice claim, you can demand compensatory damages from the liable party. This includes economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate victims for tangible financial losses after a medical error.
Some economic damages commonly awarded in medical malpractice cases are:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Medications and medical devices
By recovering these damages, victims can help cover the financial burden of treatment, recovery, and the long-term impact of their injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate victims for personal losses after an injury. These can be difficult to quantify, but victims can be compensated for these intangible losses.
Examples of non-economic damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Non-economic damages play a crucial role in acknowledging the full impact of a medical error on a victim’s daily life and emotional well-being.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is three years. In most cases, this means injured parties have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. To ensure your rights are protected, contact a Charlotte personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Charlotte Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were injured because of a medical error in Charlotte, NC, call an attorney for help right away. They will listen to your story and discuss your rights. Then, they’ll create a plan to get the maximum compensation possible.