Medical Malpractice in Washington
Medical malpractice arises when a doctor or medical facility harms a patient. There are different medical malpractice laws per state, so you should review your state’s laws to determine whether you have a case. These laws can influence the statute of limitations for filing a medical negligence claim. Additionally, they can dictate whether you have to notify the doctor or medical facility beforehand.
What Evidence Do I Need for Washington Medical Malpractice Claims?
The burden of proof falls on the injured party in filing a medical malpractice claim. To prove your case, there are several conditions you must establish. An experienced Washington medical malpractice lawyer can guide you through this entire process.
While there can be some differences in details based on the state in which you file your claim, there are some standard benchmarks to try and hit.
- There was a working relationship between the doctor and the patient.
- There was negligence on behalf of the doctor – You must prove the doctor was negligent in his or her diagnosis. You cannot sue a doctor for medical malpractice simply because you did not like their treatment or diagnosis.
- There needs to be cause and effect – Cases usually involve long-term injuries. You must prove the injuries referenced in the claim are a direct result of the doctor’s care and not because of any pre-existing condition.
- The injury represented in the claim led to further injury – You cannot sue for malpractice unless you suffer a direct injury. There are multiple types of pain that any Washington patient can sue for currently.
The Revised Code of Washington requires malpractice plaintiffs to submit a certificate of merit from an expert health care provider. However, a 2009 Washington Supreme Court case found this law unconstitutional. Because of this ruling, Washington courts do not currently require the certificate. However, in most cases, expert testimony will still be necessary to establish the reasonable standard of care for the situation.
Hospital Responsibility
You may wonder if you can also sue the Washington hospital or facility where the doctor works. In most situations, you cannot sue a hospital for the malpractice of a doctor. Most doctors are independent contractors, which absolves hospitals from liability. Nurses and other hospital staff are direct employees, so if the malpractice occurs through one of them, then there are grounds to sue the facility. So, unless the doctor is directly employed by the hospital or facility, they are not liable.
Types of Medical Malpractice
As long as you meet the conditions to file, you have grounds to file a claim, but you will need to decide in which category your claim falls. The most common categories include the following:
- Wrongful treatment – A doctor treats you poorly and in a way that no other credible medical professional would.
- Failure to diagnose correct illness – The doctor misdiagnosed your malady and caused an injury.
- Failure to disclose risks to patients – The doctor fails to inform you of the medical risks. Or, they did not carry out their duty of informed consent. As a result, their inaction prevented you from making an informed decision about the procedure or treatment.
There are additional categories or reasons for filing a lawsuit, such as the following doctor errors:
- Misreading or ignoring test results from the lab
- Making surgical errors
- Not following up properly or not offering adequate post-care
- Performing unnecessary procedures or surgeries
Damages Available in Washington
There are three types of damages a court will award for medical malpractice.
- General damages – Compensation for physical or mental suffering due to the negligent actions of the doctor
- Punitive Damages – Damages awarded as punishment for the medical professional or facility at fault
- Special Damages – Damages for expenses from medical bills and lost wages
Unlike most states, Washington does not limit the damages that a plaintiff can recover in a medical malpractice case. This means a jury can award any amount of pain and suffering damages that they deem reasonable, on top of actual economic damages. On the other hand, Washington is one of only 4 states that does not permit punitive damages.
Statute of Limitations
Medical malpractice claims carry a strict statute of limitations, which vary depending on the state. If you do not file the claim within the statute of limitations, the court will dismiss the case with prejudice regardless of the facts.
Washington law designates a specific statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits. In most cases, the deadline is 3 years after the medical error or 1 year after the reasonable discovery of the error, whichever is later. However, most claims must begin within 8 years of the error, regardless of discovery date.
Medical Malpractice Review Panels
In some states, you must first submit your claim to a review panel of medical experts. The panel hears the evidence and expert testimony to decide whether malpractice occurred. Keep in mind, their decision does not equate to a court’s decision. Still the panel is often a necessary step in building toward a lawsuit. Furthermore, it can lend significant credibility to a claim. The findings of the review panel will make their way to court, and the court often references them to influence its ruling.
Washington legislation requires most medical malpractice plaintiffs to attempt mediation prior to a trial. However, if the parties cannot reach a settlement, all mediation information is confidential and non-binding. Separate from the judicial process, you may also file a complaint with the Washington Medical Commission. If the Commission determines that the health care provider broke any state laws, they can impose sanctions. These disciplinary actions can range from letters of reprimand to loss of medical license.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
Medical malpractice claims in Washington can be complex and difficult to prove. It can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are still suffering as a result of the doctor’s actions. We recommend consulting with a personal injury attorney in Washington with experience in medical malpractice.
A medical malpractice attorney can help you in many ways to put together your case. Working with an attorney means he or she will often do the following:
- Build your case
- Collect important evidence
- Find expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Help you prepare for the malpractice review panel
- Take your claim to court
Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer in Washington
Since your case is incredibly important to you, it makes sense to seek legal help. You should at minimum consult with a qualified Washington attorney who is familiar with such cases. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Washington state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
There are other areas of Washington law that could apply to your case.