When you or a loved one goes to the doctor or hospital, you trust your healthcare providers will deliver the best possible care according to accepted standards. However, too many times, people sustain serious injuries or worse because of medical negligence.
If you’re suffering from the negligence or carelessness of a medical professional in New Hampshire, you need to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation from those responsible. Medical malpractice cases are notoriously complex, though, and require a deep understanding of both medical and legal intricacies.
A New Hampshire medical malpractice lawyer from Coates Law Office is the legal advocate you need. We’ve successfully represented numerous medical malpractice clients in New Hampshire, and you can trust us to fight vigorously for you to protect your rights, hold the at-fault parties accountable, and help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Coates Law Office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a New Hampshire medical malpractice attorney. Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing and moving forward.
New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Guide
- Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims in New Hampshire
- Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in New Hampshire
- Proving a Medical Malpractice Claim in New Hampshire
- What Types of Damages You Can Recover in a New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Medical Malpractice
- Contact a New Hampshire Med Mal Attorney Today
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims in New Hampshire
Medical malpractice in New Hampshire can result from a variety of scenarios. Some common situations include:
Delayed Diagnosis or Missed Diagnosis
When a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition promptly or misses it entirely, the patient can suffer life-altering consequences. Delayed treatment often leads to worse outcomes, more invasive procedures, and sometimes even death. Common examples include:
- Failing to recognize symptoms of a heart attack or stroke
- Misreading test results and missing signs of cancer
- Dismissing a patient’s concerns without proper investigation
Surgical Errors
We place enormous trust in surgeons, but mistakes can and do happen. Surgical errors that may constitute malpractice include:
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Leaving surgical instruments inside a patient
- Causing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues or organs
- Administering incorrect amounts of anesthesia
Medication Errors
Medication errors can occur at various points in the healthcare system, including:
- Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
- Pharmacy errors in filling prescriptions
- Administering medication incorrectly in hospitals or care facilities
- Failing to account for harmful drug interactions
Birth Injuries
Negligence and improper action during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth can lead to devastating injuries. Some examples of negligence resulting in birth injuries and other pregnancy complications include:
- Failing to monitor fetal distress
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Delayed C-section when medically necessary
- Mismanagement of high-risk pregnancies
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their medical care. When healthcare providers fail to adequately explain procedures, risks, and alternatives, it can lead to malpractice claims. This might involve:
- Performing procedures without proper patient consent
- Downplaying or omitting significant risks
- Not discussing alternative treatment options
Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in New Hampshire
Understanding the root causes of medical malpractice can shed light on how these tragic incidents occur:
- Communication breakdowns: Poor communication between healthcare providers or between providers and patients can lead to critical errors.
- Fatigue and burnout: Overworked healthcare professionals are more prone to making mistakes.
- Inadequate training or experience: Some errors occur when providers attempt procedures beyond their skill level or training.
- System failures: Poorly designed healthcare processes or inadequate safety protocols can contribute to errors.
- Documentation errors: Incomplete or inaccurate medical records can lead to treatment mistakes.
- Time pressures: Rushed appointments and overbooked schedules can result in missed diagnoses or hasty decisions.
- Technology issues: While medical technology can improve care, malfunctions or user errors can have serious consequences.
Proving a Medical Malpractice Claim in New Hampshire
Establishing a medical malpractice claim in New Hampshire requires a medical malpractice attorney to demonstrate four key elements:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed, establishing the healthcare provider’s duty to provide competent care.
- The provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care for their field and the specific situation.
- The provider’s negligence directly caused your injuries or losses.
- You suffered quantifiable harm because of the malpractice.
In New Hampshire, medical malpractice claims typically require expert testimony to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. The med mal lawyers at Coates Law Offices have access to qualified medical experts to support your case.
What Types of Damages You Can Recover in a New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Claim
If we successfully secure a settlement or verdict in your case, you could receive the following types of compensation, depending on your situation:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications for accessibility
- In-home care expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, we could pursue punitive damages in court. However, New Hampshire law caps non-economic damages at $875,000 in most medical malpractice cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Medical Malpractice
Q: How do I know if I have a valid medical malpractice claim?
A: While a poor medical outcome doesn’t necessarily indicate malpractice, you may have a claim if a healthcare provider’s negligence caused you harm. Consult an experienced attorney at Coates Law Office who can evaluate the specifics of your case.
Q: Will I have to go to court for my medical malpractice claim?
A: Many medical malpractice cases settle out of court. However, if the at-fault party won’t offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take them to court to get the money you need.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice attorney?
A: At Coates Law Office, we handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive attorney fees if we secure compensation for you.
Q: What if I signed a consent form before the procedure?
A: Consent forms don’t protect healthcare providers from all liability. If the provider was negligent or failed to fully inform you of risks, you may still have a valid claim.
Q: How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in New Hampshire?
A: In New Hampshire, the general statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is 3 years from the date of the alleged negligent act or omission. You may also have 3 years from the date you discovered the injury, such as if surgeons left a foreign object in you during surgery.
Contact a New Hampshire Med Mal Attorney Today
Bradford H. Coates, New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you suffered harm or lost a close family member because of medical negligence in New Hampshire, the experienced legal team at Coates Law Office is here for you.
We understand that taking legal action can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries or grief. That’s why we strive to make the process as stress-free as possible. Our compassionate approach means you’ll have a dedicated advocate by your side through every stage of the process, and we’re fully committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us now at (603) 262-5766 for your free consultation with a New Hampshire medical malpractice attorney. Remember, time limits apply to filing a claim, so don’t delay in seeking the legal support you need.