Tulsa Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Did you suffer harm because of a medical mistake in Tulsa, Oklahoma? Edwards & Patterson Law is here to stand by your side. When you come to us for help, we can listen to your story, explain what actions you can take, and demand fair compensation for your losses. There’s no need to handle this alone. Contact us now for your free initial consultation, and start your journey toward the recovery you deserve.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or healthcare professional fails to provide the level of care they should, causing preventable harm to the patient. This can involve making mistakes during surgery, taking too long to diagnose an issue, recommending the wrong treatment, or not informing a patient about the risks of a treatment.

Common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider incorrectly identifies a patient’s condition, leading to no treatment or the wrong treatment for the actual ailment.
• Surgical errors: Surgical errors are a serious example of malpractice and can include operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or performing the incorrect procedure.
• Birth injuries: This type of injury happens during the birth process and can affect both the mother and the baby. Causes include improper use of birth-assisting tools or failure to monitor.
• Medication errors: These errors occur when a patient receives the wrong medication or dosage, either due to prescription mistakes, dispensing errors, or miscommunication among providers.
• Anesthesia errors: Errors with anesthesia can involve giving too much, too little, or the wrong type of anesthesia. This mistake can lead to severe pain and long-term health issues or death.

What Is the Accepted Standard of Care?

An accepted standard of care is the level of care that we expect a reasonably competent healthcare professional to provide to ensure a patient’s health and safety. This level of care depends on what is generally accepted as appropriate and effective by the medical community for a given health issue. The standard is a benchmark to determine whether a healthcare provider has done their job correctly. If a patient suffers harm because a healthcare provider fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, that provider could be liable for malpractice.

What Are Common Causes of Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice can occur in many different ways, each stemming from a mistake or oversight by one or more healthcare providers. Common causes of malpractice include the following:

• Failing to diagnose a condition
• Making an incorrect diagnosis
• Taking too long to diagnose a condition
• Performing unnecessary surgery
• Making mistakes during surgery
• Prescribing the wrong medication
• Giving the incorrect dosage of a medication
• Ignoring patient history
• Not ordering proper tests
• Misinterpreting test results
• Discharging a patient too early
• Not following up with a patient
• Failing to refer a patient to a specialist
• Performing procedures without consent
• Knowingly using defective medical devices
• Failing to correctly administer anesthesia
• Not communicating among medical staff
• Inadequately training or supervising medical staff

What Injuries Result in Medical Malpractice Claims?

Any of the following types of injuries can warrant medical malpractice claims if they result from a healthcare provider’s mistake or negligence:

• Brain damage
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Birth injuries
• Surgical wounds
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Thermal or chemical burns
• Radiation or friction burns
• Allergic reactions
• Blood clots
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Nerve damage
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Chronic pain
• Septic shock
• Medication overdoses
• Wrongful death

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

Anyone involved in a patient’s care can be held liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit if their medical negligence or wrongdoing injures a patient.

Doctors who make mistakes or fail to provide the proper care can face lawsuits. A nurse might be liable if their actions or lack of action harms a patient. Other healthcare professionals, like pharmacists, dentists, and therapists, can also be held accountable if their errors lead to patient harm.

Hospitals and clinics can be liable as well. For instance, they might be responsible for malpractice if they don’t have enough staff or fail to provide adequate training. Even the makers of medical devices or medications can be sued if their products cause injury due to defects or improper instructions.

What Types of Damages Could I Receive in a Tulsa Medical Malpractice Claim?

When you file a medical malpractice claim, you can seek money for the personal and financial harm you have suffered. This could include compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of the injury or from when you first realized you were injured to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you could lose the chance to bring your case to court. This means you wouldn’t be able to seek compensation for your injuries or losses. Because of this strict deadline, it’s important to act quickly. If you think you have a malpractice case, you should contact a lawyer right away to make sure you file your lawsuit in time.

How Long Would a Malpractice Lawsuit Take to Settle?

The time it takes to settle a malpractice lawsuit can vary widely. Some cases might resolve in a few months, while others could take years. The duration depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, and whether the parties involved can reach an agreement quickly. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit, consulting a lawyer can give you a better idea of what to expect.

Contact a Tulsa Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Ready to take action on a medical malpractice case in Tulsa? Don’t wait to get the support you need. Edwards & Patterson Law is ready to help you through this challenging time. Our team will work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Edwards & Patterson Law today for your free initial consultation with a Tulsa medical malpractice attorney, and let us help you move forward.