Hippocratic Oath

Medical malpractice is the most common form of malpractice suit found in the court system today. And only about one-eighth of those people who actually fall victim to medical malpractice actually file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional causes injury or harm to a person through negligence, incompetence or wrongful conduct.

• If you need legal assistance with a Medical Negligence Claim, click here to consult with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer near you to discuss the details of your case.

The Hippocratic Oath

When a person becomes a physician, he or she must take the Hippocratic Oath.

This oath states that the doctor will put the needs of the patient above all else, and will do everything to avoid causing harm. It's often summed up in the phrase,”Above all, do no harm,” even though that's not the exact wording in the oath.

When harm does occur, a medical malpractice suit is an option. While many people become ill and die each year through no fault of their own or anyone in the medical community, there are injuries and even deaths that are preventable. Each malpractice case is different so an attorney must review the facts of the case and the evidence and decide if medical malpractice actually did occur.

Medical malpractice can occur at any point during health care, and does not have to be severe or devastating, though extreme cases tend to win the largest settlements.

Malpractice Settlements

When a malpractice settlement is awarded, it can be:

• Actual damages
• Non-economic rewards
• Punitive damages

Actual damages refers to the amount of money awarded to cover actual expenses incurred as a result of the medical malpractice. These would help pay medical bills, lost income, and any other related expenses. Non-economic rewards involve compensation the court awards, not to pay specific expenses, but for pain and suffering.

And punitive damages are awarded as a type of punishment against the person who committed medical malpractice. Usually when punitive damages are awarded, and its not often, it's because extreme and willful negligence can be proven.

Settlements are often out of court to avoid prolonged trials and extra fees. Large companies will often make an offer that's lower than they suspect they'd be required to pay if the court proceedings came down in the plaintiff's favor, so settling out of court is beneficial to them unless they're relatively certain that they'll prevail and not have to pay anything.

• If you need legal assistance with a Medical Negligence Claim, click here to consult with a Medical Malpractice Lawyer near you to discuss the details of your case. This website is for informational purposes only, and nothing stated here should be taken as legal advice.