If you or a family member were a victim of negligent care by a doctor, dentist, or other licensed healthcare professional or facility, you might have a right to obtain compensation for the injuries you suffered. Seeking the assistance of experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Charleston can be a crucial step in this process.

Negligent care means your diagnosis and/or treatment failed to meet a “standard of care,” and this failure resulted in injuries or even death. Given that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, having skilled medical malpractice lawyers on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

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Overview of Medical Malpractice in Charleston

Medical malpractice refers to professional negligence by a healthcare provider that results in harm to a patient. This can happen in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient facilities. Injuries caused by medical malpractice can include physical harm, emotional distress, and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider in Charleston, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and having an experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is a specific legal area that seeks to provide compensation for people who were injured by licensed medical professionals and facilities before, during, and after health-related diagnoses and treatments. In a medical malpractice claim, it must be proven that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care and directly caused harm to the patient. This area of law covers various types of claims, including:

Misdiagnosis: Occurs when a doctor fails to diagnose a condition or misidentifies it, leading to incorrect treatment.
Surgery: Surgical errors, such as performing the wrong procedure, leaving instruments inside the patient, or operating on the wrong body part.
Treatment: Errors related to the treatment plan, such as providing the wrong medication or treatment for a medical condition.
Obstetrics-related: Malpractice involving childbirth and pregnancy, including issues like improper prenatal care or delivery errors.
Medication-related: Errors related to prescribing, administering, or monitoring medications, such as incorrect dosages or harmful drug interactions.
Anesthesia-related: Errors related to anesthesia, such as improper administration, incorrect dosages, or failure to monitor patients during surgery.
Monitoring-related: Failure to monitor a patient’s condition appropriately, leading to complications or deterioration.
Other: This category includes miscellaneous claims related to equipment malfunctions, behavior health-related issues, and IV or blood product-related errors.

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Common Causes of Medical Malpractice

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most common forms of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition correctly or in a timely manner, it can lead to serious consequences, such as progression of the illness, incorrect treatments, or even death. Misdiagnosis can happen in many situations, including cancer, infections, heart attacks, and more.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can range from performing the wrong procedure, making an incision in the wrong area, or leaving surgical instruments inside the body. Such mistakes can lead to significant complications, including infections, bleeding, and permanent damage to organs or tissues. In some cases, surgical errors may result in death.

Medication Errors

Medication-related malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or fails to consider harmful drug interactions. These errors can lead to serious side effects, hospitalization, or even death. Medication mistakes are especially common in busy hospital settings or among elderly patients who take multiple prescriptions.

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia-related malpractice can occur when anesthesia is improperly administered, or a healthcare provider fails to monitor the patient during surgery. Overdosing on anesthesia or making an error in intubation can result in brain damage, respiratory failure, or death. These types of errors can have lasting, catastrophic consequences for the patient.

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How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Charleston

To win a medical malpractice case in Charleston, certain elements must be proven:

Establishing the standard of care: The first step is proving what the standard of care was for the medical treatment provided. This involves expert testimony to demonstrate what a competent healthcare provider would have done under similar circumstances.
Proving a breach of duty: Next, it must be shown that the healthcare provider did not meet the standard of care and made a mistake that caused harm to the patient.
Causation: You must prove that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate the harm caused by the negligence, including physical injury, emotional distress, lost wages, and medical expenses.

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What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Seek medical attention: Make sure you are receiving appropriate treatment for any injuries caused by the malpractice. A second opinion can also help clarify the severity of the damage.
Document everything: Keep records of medical appointments, prescriptions, and communications with healthcare providers. This will be important when building your case.
Consult with an attorney: Reach out to a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. They can evaluate your case, help determine if malpractice occurred, and assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation.

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How Can a Charleston Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help?

Our team of experienced Charleston medical malpractice lawyers can assist you in several ways:

Investigating your claim: We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and consult with medical experts to build a strong claim.
Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, we will help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Negotiating settlements: We can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
Providing expert legal guidance: We will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options.

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Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

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Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of medical malpractice?

The most common types of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, anesthesia errors, and failure to monitor patients properly. Each of these can lead to serious consequences, including physical harm, emotional distress, and even death.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, this can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as if the injury was not discovered right away. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
How can I prove a medical malpractice case?

To prove a medical malpractice case, you must demonstrate that the healthcare provider violated the standard of care, directly causing harm or injury. Expert witnesses, medical records, and evidence of damages will be used to establish your case.
How much does a medical malpractice lawyer cost?

At Crantford Meehan, we work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our consultations are free, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What kind of compensation can I receive for medical malpractice?

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages. A lawyer can help assess the full extent of your damages and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.