Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Patients trust doctors, nurses, and hospitals to deliver care that meets accepted medical standards. Unfortunately, when health care professionals fail to follow these standards, the consequences can be catastrophic. Medical malpractice occurs when a provider’s negligence causes serious harm or wrongful death.

At the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates, our Georgetown, Washington, D.C. medical malpractice lawyers bring a rare combination of legal and medical training to the table. We represent individuals and families affected by medical negligence in cases involving complex injuries, permanent disabilities, or fatal outcomes. Using a methodical and evidence-based approach, we evaluate whether your harm was the result of a deviation from the standard of care.

What Is Considered Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice refers to situations in which a health care provider fails to act in accordance with the accepted standards of practice in their field, resulting in patient injury or death. This can involve errors in treatment, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or failures to act when timely intervention was necessary.

To qualify as malpractice, four elements generally must be present:

• A duty of care was owed by the provider.
• That duty was breached by failing to meet the standard of care.
• The breach caused an injury.
• There is a direct link between the breach and the resulting harm.

Common examples of malpractice include:

• Performing unnecessary procedures.
• Failing to diagnose serious conditions.
• Administering incorrect medications.
• Discharging patients prematurely.
• Ignoring patient symptoms or vital signs.

Each case must be assessed by professionals with a deep understanding of both medicine and the legal framework surrounding health care liability.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Medical Malpractice Case?

Medical malpractice claims in Washington, D.C., may involve multiple responsible parties, including:

• Physicians and surgeons who misdiagnose, delay treatment, or operate negligently.
• Nurses and staff who fail to monitor or communicate critical information.
• Pharmacists who dispense incorrect dosages or medications.
• Anesthesiologists are responsible for dosage miscalculations or oxygen deprivation.
• Hospitals and health care facilities that permit negligent practices, fail to enforce safety protocols, or inadequately train staff.

The legal team at Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates is experienced in identifying every party whose conduct may have contributed to the malpractice. We pursue accountability at every level, from individual practitioners to large health systems.

How Is Medical Malpractice Proven?

Proving medical malpractice requires a thorough investigation. Our Georgetown-based team begins by obtaining and reviewing medical records, provider notes, diagnostic reports, and imaging studies. We work with experts to determine whether the care given deviated from what a reasonably competent provider would have done under similar circumstances.

The legal burden includes proving:

• The standard of care for the provider’s specialty.
• A breach of that standard through an act or omission.
• A causal link between the breach and the injury.
• The extent and nature of the harm suffered.

Medical expert testimony is essential in most cases, particularly when the medical facts are complex or involve multiple procedures or diagnoses.

Cases We Handle at Our Firm

Injuries caused by medical malpractice can range from temporary setbacks to permanent disabilities and even death. Our firm handles cases involving:

• Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments in the body.
• Delayed or missed diagnoses, including cancer, stroke, or infection, which may progress and become untreatable.
• Medication errors, involving incorrect dosages, wrong prescriptions, or harmful drug interactions.
• Birth injuries, including oxygen deprivation leading to cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or developmental delays.
• Anesthesia errors, potentially resulting in brain damage, cardiac arrest, or death during surgery.
• Failure to monitor, which may lead to blood clots, sepsis, or post-operative complications.
• Infections, often resulting from unsanitary conditions or lack of follow-up care.
• Improper treatment plans, causing a patient’s condition to worsen or become irreversible.
• Radiology and diagnostic mistakes, which may cause delayed treatment or unnecessary procedures.

Some injuries are apparent immediately, while others may take months to detect. Regardless, identifying when and how the injury occurred—and whether it was preventable—is essential to pursuing a viable claim.

What Compensation May Be Available in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

Compensation in a medical malpractice case is meant to restore what was lost due to the provider’s negligence. Damages typically fall into two categories:

• Economic Damages: These cover direct financial losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, ongoing care, assistive devices, and lost income or earning potential.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.

In Washington, D.C., there is no cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, which can result in significant awards for patients who suffer life-altering harm.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the prognosis, the cost of future care, and the strength of evidence demonstrating negligence.

Can Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis Support a Malpractice Claim?

Yes. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are two of the most common causes of malpractice claims. When a doctor fails to detect a medical condition in time—or mistakes one condition for another—the results can be devastating.

Delayed treatment of conditions such as:

• Cancer may allow the disease to spread beyond the treatable stages.
• Heart attacks or strokes may result in permanent disability.
• Infections may become septic or require amputation.
• Pediatric conditions may permanently affect development.

Our attorneys examine whether the provider ordered appropriate tests, interpreted results accurately, and acted within a reasonable timeframe. We evaluate whether a different course of action would likely have changed the outcome.

What Should Patients Do if They Suspect Medical Negligence?

If you believe you or a loved one was harmed by negligent care, take the following steps:

1. Document your symptoms and the timeline of events.
2. Request copies of all medical records, including tests, prescriptions, and doctor notes.
3. Avoid speaking to insurance representatives or signing release forms without legal counsel.
4. Contact a qualified medical malpractice lawyer to evaluate your case.

At the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates, we offer confidential consultations to help patients understand their rights and options. If we determine your case has merit, we can proceed with investigation, negotiation, and—if necessary—litigation.

Why Choose a Law Firm With Medical and Legal Credentials?

Medical malpractice is one of the most complex areas of civil law. Cases often hinge on intricate medical facts, evolving treatment protocols, and highly technical expert testimony.

What sets our firm apart is the leadership of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, who holds both a medical degree and a law degree. This unique background allows us to:

• Interpret medical records without relying solely on outside experts.
• Identify subtle deviations from the standard of care.
• Anticipate defense strategies used by hospitals and insurance carriers.
• Build strong cases that are both medically sound and legally compelling.

We approach every claim with precision, care, and a deep understanding of how serious injuries can affect a patient and their family.

Our Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Medical Malpractice Lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates Pursue Justice for Victims of Negligence

If you suffered harm due to a medical error, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates, we have the knowledge, experience, and dual-discipline background to evaluate and litigate even the most complex malpractice claims. Call a Georgetown, Washington, D.C. medical malpractice lawyer at 202-223-4488 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. From our office in Washington, D.C., we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Maryland.