Many women in Maryland entrust gynecologists with protecting their reproductive health and screening them for medical issues that require an escalation in care. While many gynecologists provide competent services, some unfortunately do not, and their errors and oversights can lead to significant medical issues. If you suffered harm due to a gynecologist’s negligence, you may be able to pursue damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and you should consult an attorney as soon as possible. The assertive Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A. are proficient at demonstrating that victims of gynecologist malpractice should be compensated for their losses, and if you engage our services, we will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Examples of Gynecologist MalpracticeGynecologists provide specialized medical care focused on the reproductive health of women. Their responsibilities include a wide range of services, including routine examinations, contraceptive counseling, prenatal care, management of reproductive disorders, and surgical interventions such as hysterectomies or treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
It is not uncommon for gynecologists to make mistakes that harm their patients and arguably constitute malpractice. For instance, the missed or delayed diagnoses of endometriosis, cervical cancer, and other conditions may be cause for pursuing malpractice claims. Errors during surgical procedures, like C-sections or hysterectomies, improper use of medical devices such as forceps or vacuum extractors during childbirth leading to birth injuries, and failure to obtain informed consent for procedures or treatments could be considered malpractice as well. Gynecologist malpractice can lead to complications that cause unnecessary pain and suffering, loss of fertility, birth injuries, and long-term health consequences.
Demonstrating Liability for Gynecologist MalpracticeIf a gynecologist's actions or oversights result in a medical error that causes harm to a woman or results in a birth injury, the gynecologist may be held liable for malpractice. In order to demonstrate liability, the injured party will usually need to establish the defendant’s negligence.
First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant had an obligation to the plaintiff to provide treatment that aligned with the standard of care. The standard of care is the level of care recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably competent medical professionals under similar circumstances. Expert testimony is usually needed to explain the standard of care to the fact-finder.
After establishing the standard of care, the plaintiff must illustrate that the defendant departed from it. Finally, the plaintiff must directly link the defendant’s deviation to the injury suffered by the plaintiff. Showing the defendant breached the standard of care and proving the defendant’s behavior caused the plaintiff’s harm usually requires expert testimony as well.
A plaintiff who successfully convinces a judge or jury that the defendant’s negligence caused their harm may be awarded damages for their economic and noneconomic losses. Economic damages include the costs associated with current and future medical treatments the patient needed due to the injury. Additionally, if the plaintiff’s injuries impacted their ability to earn an income, they may be granted compensation for lost wages. Noneconomic damages encompass the intangible harm caused by the plaintiff’s injuries, such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Expert testimony often plays a key role in establishing damages as well.
Meet With a Seasoned Prince George’s County Medical Malpractice AttorneyGynecologists are expected to provide their patients with thorough and appropriate care, but all too often, they fail to uphold their professional duties, and their lapses cause their patients to sustain significant trauma. If you suffered injuries due to gynecologist malpractice, meeting with an attorney to discuss your case is in your best interest. The seasoned Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A. possess the skills and resources needed to show that negligent doctors should be deemed responsible for the losses they cause, and if we represent you, we will fight to help you seek the results you deserve. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland and we frequently represent people in medical malpractice lawsuits who reside in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County and all counties in the State of Maryland. You can contact us through our form online or by calling us at (301) 441-2022 to arrange a confidential and free meeting.