When you go to a doctor’s office or hospital, you expect to be treated with the utmost care and consideration. While this is often the case, some providers neglect their duty to provide quality care and may even harm their patients. Whether intentionally or accidentally, if you incur injuries while receiving medical care, it may be time to hire a Fayetteville, AR medical malpractice lawyer.
At The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC, we are seasoned legal professionals led by a second-generation lawyer. Being an Arkansas native, Geoffrey D. Kearney has a deep understanding of the legal landscape in this area and is devoted to providing clients with personalized, compassionate attention. He is a Harvard graduate with an impressive history of being published, which adds to his authority in various fields of law.
Medical malpractice, or medical negligence, is a type of personal injury that involves a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, physical therapist, or the hospital itself, neglecting to provide a certain standard of care, and as a result, the patient incurs injury or other damages.
In Arkansas, the definition of medical malpractice is broad and applies to several forms of misconduct and unlawful behaviors in medical practice, according to 17 CAR § 140-202.
For example, Fayette medical malpractice laws may involve:
Most healthcare providers deliver on their promise of providing a reasonable standard of care; however, in some cases, doctors act carelessly or negligently, either accidentally or intentionally harming their patients.
This can happen in a variety of ways, including:
As of 2023, Arkansas was the sixth-highest state for medical malpractice, with a rate of 21.68 per 100,000 people. Medical providers are required to have insurance to protect themselves and to compensate victims if they experience medical malpractice. Therefore, if you experience negligence while receiving medical treatment, you should make an insurance claim.
The first thing you should do if you experience medical malpractice, or if your loved one passes because of malpractice, is to contact a skilled medical malpractice attorney to advise you on your chances of receiving compensation and what to do if your insurance claim is denied. To make the process more efficient, bring any medical records, bills, or documents related to the incident, evidence, or documentation that can help you build a case or eyewitness testimony, if possible.
No matter what stage you are in with your medical malpractice claim, it is wise to contact a lawyer. Your lawyer can assess the situation to help you determine your chances of winning your claim or if medical malpractice actually occurred. Your lawyer can also help you negotiate a settlement that may cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, legal fees, and loss of income. If a settlement cannot be reached, then they can represent you in civil court.
It is important to act timely if you experience medical malpractice in Arkansas, as there is a two-year statute of limitations to make a claim from the date of the incident, according to Arkansas Code A.C.A. § 16-114-203.
If you are injured or harmed by a medical professional, you do not have to suffer alone. To get the most from your claim and to reach a substantial settlement, you should hire a medical malpractice lawyer from The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC, to take your case. We have offices throughout Arkansas, so contact us today for a consultation.