Contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you suspect a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider made an error that caused harm. Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects legal deadlines. Whether the concern involves a diagnosis error, a surgical error, or a medication error, speaking with an attorney early provides the clearest picture of available legal options.
Key Takeaways
- Medical malpractice claims must be filed within a strict deadline, and missing it can permanently bar the right to compensation.
- Not every bad medical outcome is malpractice, but when negligence plays a role, the law gives patients a path to recovery.
- An attorney with a background in medical malpractice can build a strong case for the injured patient.
What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice in Maryland?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure causes patient injury. The standard of care refers to what a reasonably competent provider in the same field would have done under similar circumstances. Maryland law also requires a Certificate of a Qualified Expert to support the claim before a case moves forward in court.
What Are the Most Common Signs That Malpractice May Have Occurred?
These signs may indicate that something went wrong during medical care:
- A condition that worsened after treatment without explanation
- A diagnosis that was delayed, missed, or later contradicted by another provider
- A surgical complication that the provider failed to disclose as a known risk
- A medication error that led to a serious adverse reaction
- A lack of follow-up care after a procedure or hospital stay
Although none of these situations automatically proves malpractice, each one warrants a closer look by a qualified attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Maryland?
Maryland law gives patients five years from the date of the injury or three years from the date the injury was discovered, whichever period expires first. Special rules may apply to cases involving minors.
Why Does Acting Quickly Matter in These Cases?
Medical records and witness accounts can become harder to obtain as time passes, as hospitals retain records for only a set period. Acting quickly also gives an attorney more time to work with independent medical reviewers, which strengthens the foundation of a claim.
How Many Malpractice Claims Are Filed in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Association of Justice, the number of new filings in HCADRO (Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office) generally ranges between 600 and 650 cases a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer assess a case before any commitment is made?
Most medical malpractice attorneys offer free initial consultations to review the basic facts of a situation. That meeting carries no obligation and helps prospective clients determine whether a claim has merit.
Should my lawyer be familiar with the hospital where the alleged malpractice occurred?
Yes. Whether the hospital is Holy Cross Health, Johns Hopkins Hospital, or another Maryland institution, a lawyer’s familiarity with its specific institutional policies and the local medical community can leverage that knowledge to an injured patient’s advantage.
What if the injured patient has since passed away?
Maryland law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim when negligence contributed to a loved one’s death. The estate may also bring a survival action to recover additional damages.
Silver Spring Medical Malpractice Lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates Can Help With Suspected Medical Negligence
If you believe that medical negligence caused your or a loved one’s injuries, contact the Silver Spring medical malpractice lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates. Our respected legal team will investigate your case and fight for justice. Call us at 202-223-4488 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Washington, D.C., and also serve clients in Northern Virginia and Maryland.
