Medical malpractice can occur in a variety of settings, including hospitals (such as the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, NM), clinics, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes. It can also involve a wide range of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and more.
Examples of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can take many forms. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice include:
- Failure to diagnose: When a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a patient’s condition in a timely manner, the patient can suffer serious harm. This is especially true when the condition is time-sensitive, such as cancer or a heart attack. When a provider fails to diagnose a patient’s condition, the patient may be entitled to compensation for the resulting damages.
- Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider diagnoses a patient with the wrong condition. This can lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment, as well as a delay in receiving the proper treatment. When a provider misdiagnoses a patient’s condition, the patient may be entitled to compensation for the resulting damages.
- Medication errors: Medication errors are alarmingly common and can occur in a variety of ways. For example, a healthcare provider may prescribe the wrong medication, the wrong dosage of a medication, or a medication that the patient is allergic to. A nurse may administer the wrong medication or the wrong dosage of a medication. A pharmacist may fill a prescription with the wrong medication or the wrong dosage of a medication. When a patient is harmed as a result of a medication error, they may be entitled to compensation.
- Surgical errors: Surgical errors can occur at any point during a procedure, from the pre-operative phase to the post-operative phase. For example, a surgeon may operate on the wrong body part, perform the wrong procedure, or leave a surgical instrument inside the patient’s body. A nurse may fail to properly sterilize surgical equipment, leading to an infection. When a patient is harmed as a result of a surgical error, they may be entitled to compensation.
- Birth injuries: Birth injuries can occur when a healthcare provider is negligent during the prenatal, labor and delivery, or postnatal phases. For example, a doctor may fail to diagnose a maternal infection, fail to diagnose a fetal condition, or fail to order a necessary C-section. A nurse may fail to properly monitor the mother and/or baby during labor and delivery. When a baby is harmed as a result of a birth injury, they may be entitled to compensation.
- Anesthesia errors: Anesthesia errors can occur when a healthcare provider administers too much anesthesia, too little anesthesia, or the wrong type of anesthesia. When a patient is harmed as a result of an anesthesia error, they may be entitled to compensation.
- Emergency room errors: Emergency room errors can occur when a healthcare provider fails to properly diagnose a patient’s condition, fails to order necessary tests, or fails to provide timely treatment. When a patient is harmed as a result of an emergency room error, they may be entitled to compensation.
How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Alamogordo
Medical malpractice claims are notoriously complex. In New Mexico, there are several steps you must take to file a medical malpractice claim.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Act quickly. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is three years from the date of the injury or the date the injury was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered). It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.
- Obtain your medical records. You will need to obtain your medical records, as well as any other relevant evidence, to support your claim. This includes any photographs of your injuries, any video footage of the incident, and any witness statements.
- Consult with an attorney. Medical malpractice claims are highly complex and require a thorough understanding of the law. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options, as well as guide you through the legal process.
Medical malpractice claims are highly complex and require a thorough understanding of the law. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options, as well as guide you through the legal process.
Available Damages in a Medical Malpractice Case
Many people wonder how much their medical malpractice claim is worth. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The value of a medical malpractice claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the victim’s injuries, the cost of their medical treatment, the impact of the injuries on their daily life, and more.
Damages commonly awarded in medical malpractice cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Why Choose James Wood Law?
At James Wood Law, we are committed to helping victims of medical malpractice fight for the justice and fair recovery they are owed. Our medical malpractice attorneys in Alamogordo have a proven track record of success and are prepared to aggressively advocate for you and your recovery.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, personalized legal services: We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. Our team is here to provide the compassionate, one-on-one guidance you need and deserve. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We are always available to provide the support you need.
- Aggressive representation: We are not afraid to take on large hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Our team is prepared to fight for you and your recovery, both in and out of the courtroom. We will not back down from a challenge and will do everything in our power to secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
- Proven results: Our medical malpractice lawyers in Alamogordo have a proven track record of success. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients and are prepared to put our experience to work for you.
Request a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love was the victim of medical malpractice, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At James Wood Law, we are committed to helping victims of medical negligence fight for the justice and fair recovery they are owed. Our team can help you understand your rights and options, as well as guide you through the legal process.
Call our office at (505) 906-6774 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team.