Oklahoma Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can cause devastating or fatal injuries and it is more common than doctors or insurance companies would like you to believe. Recent studies reported by the Institute of Medicine found that medical errors are responsible for almost 98,000 wrongful deaths each year in the United States.
When medical malpractice happens, most people think the responsible parties should be held accountable. Unfortunately, accountability in medical malpractice cases is often the last thing those responsible desire, where injuries or death have occurred from medical negligence.
Contact us today if you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice by using the form on your left or by calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400 for a FREE case review.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases and Claims
Any injury you have suffered at the hand of a physician, surgeon, nurse, hospital, medical laboratory or clinic, dentist, or other type of medical provider may have been caused by medical malpractice. Some of the most common types of Oklahoma medical malpractice cases and claims include:
- Pediatric malpractice
- Radiation malpractice
- Breast cancer malpractice
- Plastic surgery malpractice
- Dental malpractice
- Cancer misdiagnosis
- Surgical Errors
- Amputation of the wrong limb
- Prescription errors
- Emergency room negligence
- Anesthesia accidents
- Uterine rupture
- Birth complications
- C-section complications
- Misread X-rays/mammograms
- Faulty blood transfusions
- Hospital/ Medical Negligence
- Failure to provide appropriate treatment
- Treatment delays
What is the first step in pursuing a medical malpractice claim?
The first step in pursuing a medical malpractice case is suspecting that one may have been the victim of medical malpractice. While not every bad result is due to medical malpractice, one who develops a feeling that something went wrong or is wrong should consult a qualified Oklahoma attorney to review the matter. This process often involves the obtaining and review of medical records and other relevant information. If it is determined that one has a good case, the next step is usually to give written notice of the claim to the individuals or entities that are believed to have committed the medical malpractice.
Who can be held accountable for medical malpractice?
A medical malpractice claim may be pursued against those who provide medical or health care to a patient, including, physicians, registered nurses, hospitals, dentists, nursing homes, and pharmacists. Medical malpractice claims may be brought against individuals, partnerships, professional associations, and corporations.
What are the costs to pursuing a case?
Many Oklahoma attorneys will agree to handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee agreement. This means that the attorney will not charge an hourly rate for his or her services, but instead will be paid a percentage of the recovery in the event of a settlement or judgment. In most instances attorneys will also pay the case development expenses up front with the understanding that he or she will recoup such costs only in the event of a recovery. In most cases one may be able to secure legal representation without having to pay any attorney's fees or expenses out of one's own pocket.
How long will it take to pursue a medical malpractice claim?
There really is no exact answer to this question. While some medical malpractice cases are settled prior to trial, other cases are settled prior to the filing of a lawsuit, or may be settled during litigation or even just before trial. A medical malpractice case, if litigated to trial, could last many years. One who pursues a medical malpractice case in Oklahoma should understand from the onset that a quick resolution cannot be guaranteed.
When must one make a claim?
Generally speaking, a victim of medical malpractice has a limited time period in which they must pursue their claim. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. Certain exceptions do exist under the law for certain circumstances. For example, the time period may be extended for certain individuals, including those who are minors when the malpractice occurred. Furthermore, in certain instances, such as when a medical profession conceals the incident of malpractice, victims that did not know, and could not have known of the malpractice until sometime after the incident, are allotted additional time under the law to file a lawsuit. The foregoing exceptions are fact sensitive and require the analysis of a qualified attorney to determine if they are applicable.
Medical Malpractice FAQs
Summary of Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Law
We can handle your potential legal case if you are in any of these Oklahoma cities. Even if your city is not listed you may still speak with one of our Oklahoma medical malpractice attorneys by filling out our contact form or calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400.
Ada, Afton, Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Ardmore, Atoka, Bartlesville, Blackwell, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Chandler, Checotah, Chickasha, Claremore, Clinton, Del City, Duncan, Durant, Edmond, El Reno, Elk City, Enid, Erick, Frederick, Glenpool, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Henryetta, Idabel, Lawton, Locust Grove, Mcalester, Miami, Midwest City, Moore, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Owasso, Pauls Valley, Perry, Ponca City, Poteau, Pryor, Roland, Sallisaw, Sand Springs, Savanna, Shawnee, Stillwater, Stilwell, Stroud, Tahlequah, Tulsa, Vinita, Wagoner, Weatherford, Woodward, Yukon
Copyright © 2006 Garrett Law Office, P.C.
111 W 5th Street | Tulsa, OK 74145
Phone: 918-622-9292 | Fax: 918-549-6794