When you entrust your health and well-being to a medical professional, you expect to receive competent, attentive care. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Medical errors and negligence can have devastating consequences that leave patients with serious injuries, worsened conditions, and even resulting in wrongful death. If you believe that you or a family member has been a victim of medical malpractice in Charleston or anywhere else in South Carolina, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Charleston medical malpractice lawyer who can assess your case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider—such as a doctor, surgeon, nurse, hospital, or other medical entity—fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing harm to a patient. Some of the most frequent forms of medical malpractice in South Carolina include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, which can prevent a patient from receiving timely and appropriate treatment
- Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside a patient, or causing unnecessary damage
- Medication mistakes, including prescribing the wrong drug or dosage or failing to consider potential interactions
- Birth injuries caused by negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery
- Failure to properly monitor a patient’s condition or recognize signs of distress
However, it’s important to note that not every negative medical outcome constitutes malpractice. Providers must be proven to have acted negligently – in other words, they failed to meet the accepted standard of care that another reasonably competent professional would have provided under similar circumstances.
Building a Strong Medical Malpractice Case
If you suspect that you have a medical malpractice claim, one of the first and most important steps is to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable Charleston medical malpractice attorney. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can review the facts of your case, obtain relevant medical records and evidence, and consult with expert witnesses to determine whether malpractice occurred.
To have a valid medical malpractice claim in South Carolina, you must generally be able to demonstrate four key elements:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed, establishing the provider’s duty of care
- The healthcare provider breached their duty by failing to adhere to the appropriate standard of care
- This breach directly caused or significantly contributed to your injury or worsened condition
- You suffered actual damages, such as additional medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering, or other losses as a result
South Carolina also has specific procedural requirements for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, including statutory deadlines, pre-lawsuit mediation, and submitting an affidavit of an expert witness. An attorney well-versed in Charleston medical malpractice law can ensure your claim is properly investigated, documented, and filed.
Recovering Fair Compensation
When negligent medical care causes harm, victims often face a difficult road to recovery. You may be dealing with extensive medical bills for corrective treatment, lost wages from missing work, reduced earning capacity due to disability, as well as immense pain and emotional trauma. The purpose of a medical malpractice claim is to seek financial recovery for these economic and non-economic damages so that you can rebuild your life.
While some Charleston medical malpractice cases are resolved through out-of-court negotiations and settlements, others may need to be litigated in court to achieve a full and fair outcome. Having a skilled trial attorney by your side can make all the difference in presenting a persuasive case and maximizing compensation.
It is also worth noting that South Carolina places caps on non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases, with higher limits for more egregious situations. A medical malpractice attorney in Charleston can assess the full scope of damages in your case and develop a legal strategy suited to your unique needs and goals. Most medical institutions in South Carolina have a team of lawyers, so you need to have a top attorney by your side to level the playing field.
Choosing the Right Charleston Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases are complex, high-stakes matters that require significant experience, resources, and dedication to pursue. When choosing a Charleston medical malpractice lawyer to handle your case, it’s important to look for:
- Proven experience litigating medical negligence claims and a history of successful case results
- Genuine care and commitment to protecting your rights and wellbeing
- Strong professional relationships with renowned medical experts who can support your case
- Willingness to advance litigation expenses and take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and attorneys’ fees come out of your final settlement or judgment
- Clear, responsive communication and personalized legal service tailored to your needs
At Briggs Law Group, our Charleston medical malpractice attorney has the knowledge, skills, and tenacity to take on even the most challenging cases. With a deep understanding of South Carolina medical malpractice law, we provide compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy for patients and families who have suffered harm at the hands of negligent medical providers.
We understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll of a serious medical injury, which is why we handle cases on contingency and are dedicated to maximizing our clients’ compensation. When you work with our firm, you can trust that your case is in capable hands and that we will fight tirelessly to help you achieve justice.
Talk To Our Charleston Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or someone you love has been a victim of medical negligence in Charleston or throughout South Carolina, do not wait to explore your legal rights and options. The law limits the time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, so swift action is crucial to preserve your claim.
At Briggs Law Group, we offer free and confidential consultations to discuss your potential case. Our Charleston medical malpractice lawyer can review your circumstances, answer your questions, and provide candid guidance on your best course of action. We are here to be your advocate and ally during this difficult time.
To learn more about how we can help with your Charleston medical malpractice case, contact Briggs Law today. Let us put our skills and resources to work for you in your pursuit of justice.