If you have been seriously injured as the result of a medical procedure or treatment that failed to go as planned, you may be wondering if you have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit to help with the costs of additional medical care related to the initial mistake. The good news is that in the state of West Virginia, there are a number of damages that may be recovered in such a case, and additional medical care is often one of them.
The bad news is that proving negligence on the part of the healthcare provider can be difficult, particularly if you are not experienced in handling these types of cases. This post will outline some of the most common types of damages that may be recovered in a medical malpractice suit in West Virginia. Read on to learn more.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills are the most obvious type of damage that may be recovered in a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you have been injured as the result of a doctor's error, you may be able to recover the cost of your medical treatment, both past, and future.
In addition, you may be able to recover the cost of any lost wages if you are unable to work as a result of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is another type of damage that may be available to you in a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you have been left with physical or emotional scars as a result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for the trauma you have endured.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available, which are designed to punish the healthcare provider for their negligence and discourage this type of behavior from others in similar positions going forward.
Loss of Consortium
If you are married, you may also be able to recover damages for loss of consortium. This type of damage is designed to compensate a spouse for the loss of companionship and affection that results from the injury of their partner.
Statute of Limitations
It is important to note that in the state of West Virginia, there is a statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. This means that you will only have two years to file your lawsuit after you have been injured as a result of a medical mistake.
However, there are certain instances in which the statute of limitations is just one year from the date of injury. For this reason, it is important to speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible if you believe you may have a case against your healthcare provider.
We're Here to Help with Your Case
These are just some of the types of damages that may be available to you if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice.
If you think you may have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who can evaluate your claim and help you decide what steps to take next.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our skilled team right away to learn more about what we can do to help with your case. We have helped many others in similar situations, and we will do everything we can to fight for you too. It is important that you receive the compensation you deserve when you need it most.
If a medical professional caused your injuries and you need help with a medical malpractice lawsuit, contact the skilled attorneys at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC with the details of your case by calling (304) 605-2040 or by filling out our online contact form.