Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when patients are harmed by the actions (or inaction) of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Common types of cases in this area of law include childbirth injuries, medical misdiagnosis, surgery errors, and hospital related infections. Learn about common types of medical malpractice and legal issues like informed consent, medical negligence, and damage caps in medical malpractice cases.
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Medical Malpractice Basics
moreMedical Malpractice Basics
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What amounts to medical malpractice? What must the plaintiff show?
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Medical Malpractice Questions & Answers
Browse some popular medical malpractice FAQ from claimants. -
How to Find Complaints Against a Doctor or Hospital
These resources can help you do your homework when considering a certain physician or care facility. -
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits and the Statute of Limitations
These laws set a time limit on your right to get your medical malpractice lawsuit filed in court. -
State-by-State Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
Get the details on the deadline for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in your state. -
Medical Malpractice Insurance Coverage Basics
Here's what both sides of a medical malpractice case need to know about the role of insurance coverage. -
Malpractice Insurance: What is Tail Coverage?
What doctors and potential medical malpractice plaintiffs need to know.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
moreTypes of Medical Malpractice Cases
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Common Errors by Doctors & Hospitals
What kinds of health care mistakes are behind most medical malpractice lawsuits? -
Malpractice in the Emergency Room
The ER can be a hectic place, and serious treatment mistakes can happen. -
Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis
How the wrong diagnosis or late diagnosis can amount to malpractice. -
Surgical Errors and Medical Malpractice
A look at common causes and types of surgical errors, and key legal issues in these kinds of malpractice cases. -
Medical Malpractice by a Nurse
When can a nurse's treatment error rise to the level of malpractice? -
Vaccine Injuries: The Federal Compensation Program
An in-depth look at the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and injuries from childhood vaccines. -
If You're Discharged Too Soon, Is It Medical Malpractice?
When a doctor or hospital sends you home before it's medically safe to do so, that decision could amount to medical negligence. -
When a doctor doesn't end the provider-patient relationship properly, it could amount to malpractice.
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Do Inpatient Falls Constitute Medical Malpractice?
Your fall injury case may be governed by principles of malpractice or ordinary negligence. -
Take a look at what a plaintiff needs to prove in a dental malpractice claim.
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Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Malpractice
When can a cosmetic surgery error give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit?
Medical Malpractice During Childbirth
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Birth Related Medical Malpractice
Learn about birth-related injuries to babies and mothers -- who can sue, and what damages may be recovered. -
Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Negligence
Medical treatment mistakes before and during childbirth can lead to the development of cerebral palsy.
Legal Elements of Medical Malpractice Cases
moreLegal Elements of Medical Malpractice Cases
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When Can the Hospital Be Sued for Malpractice?
Hospitals can be on the legal hook for their employees' medical negligence. -
What is Required to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Learn the legal elements you'll need to establish, and the documents you'll need to file with the court. -
The Affidavit of Merit in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
If you’re filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you may need to file this key document alongside the initial complaint. -
What is the Medical Standard of Care in a Malpractice Case?
Understanding the legal yardstick that is used to establish medical negligence in most malpractice cases. -
Informed Consent in Medical Malpractice Cases
How lack of informed consent can have a big effect on a medical malpractice case. -
The Expert Witness in a Medical Malpractice Claim
How the medical expert helps to establish a treatment error and prove the plaintiff's case. -
Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice damages can include recovery for pain and suffering, medical bills, and reduced quality of life. -
State-by-State Medical Malpractice Damages Caps
An in-depth look at state laws limiting compensation for medical malpractice plaintiffs. -
What is "Pain and "Suffering" in a Medical Malpractice Case?
How are "pain and suffering" damages defined, and how are they calculated?
More From Nolo
moreMore From Nolo
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Medical Malpractice Information, Case Process, and Lawyers
Visit Nolo's companion site MedicalMalpractice.com to learn in-depth coverage of state-specific medical malpractice laws, lawsuit and settlement process, and much more. -
Nolo's Personal Injury Law Blog
Our own David Goguen comments on news headlines and recent developments related to personal injury law.
