People in Louisiana who believe the injuries they suffered constitute medical negligence may have difficulty proving the allegations in court. There are five specific elements of negligence they must prove when presenting a medical malpractice claim in a civil court. The mere fact that a person suffered an injury is not enough to win a civil lawsuit.
Medical error statistics show that more than 251,500 deaths each year in the United States result from the negligence of registered medical practitioners. Medical professionals must know that their failure to provide care and lacking the skill required to treat a patient could constitute professional negligence.
Elements of negligence
- Medical care providers have a duty to provide an expected standard of care that will not harm their patients.
- It must be proved that the physician owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
- The plaintiff must prove that the care provider failed or violated the standard of care.
- The plaintiff must also prove that the failure to provide the appropriate care was the direct cause of the specific injury or harm.
- And it must also be documented that the medical care provider’s negligence caused the injury, loss or expenses alleged.
Before pursuing financial relief in civil court, it’s essential that these five elements of medical negligence be carefully considered.
Legal rights
Anyone considering a medical malpractice lawsuit will likely find that it to be a complicated legal process. However, a successfully presented claim could result in a monetary judgment to cover documented claims. Past and future medical expenses, lost income, and other financial and emotional damages are typically included in a claim for monetary damages.
