People experiencing vision changes or eye issues will often seek care from an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists, like all doctors, are expected to provide their patients with comprehensive and skilled care, which includes conducting any necessary exams and providing prompt and accurate diagnoses. When ophthalmologists neglect their duties and provide substandard care, it can cause critical issues that could permanently impair their patients’ vision and may be grounds for pursuing ophthalmologist malpractice claims. If you think you suffered harm due to the carelessness of an ophthalmologist, it is sensible to talk to an attorney about your options. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our capable Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorneys understand what it takes to prevail in complicated claims against physicians, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek the outcome you deserve.
Examples of Ophthalmologist MalpracticeOphthalmologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. Their practice typically involves all aspects of eye care, including performing eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and treating eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. They also perform eye surgeries when necessary, such as cataract surgery or laser eye surgery.
When ophthalmologists fail to thoroughly assess a patient’s medical history or conduct necessary examinations, diagnoses may be delayed or missed, which can result in worsening of the underlying illness, treatment delays, and additional complications. In some instances, it may lead to a complete loss of vision.
Pursuing Ophthalmologist Malpractice ClaimsAlthough eye issues are rarely life-threatening, they are nonetheless concerning, and if they are not addressed in a prompt and appropriate manner it can lead to devastating vision issues. As such, many people harmed by the carelessness of their ophthalmologist will seek justice via medical malpractice claims.
In most medical malpractice lawsuits, the plaintiff will pursue negligence claims against the defendant. In Maryland, four elements make up negligence, and the plaintiff must establish each one to demonstrate fault. The first element, duty, is an obligation the defendant owes the plaintiff. In the treatment setting, the duty is to offer treatment that meets the standard of care, which is the care a reasonable professional in the same practice area would deem appropriate in a similar situation.
The second element is a breach of the duty owed. In other words, the plaintiff has to show that the defendant departed from the standard of care in some way. Finally, the third and fourth parts of negligence are damages and causation. This means that the plaintiff has to prove that they suffered actual injuries and that said injuries were the direct result of the defendant’s departure from the standard of care. Although the defendant’s acts or omissions do not have to be the only source of the plaintiff’s harm, they must be a substantial factor in causing it.
In all but the clearest of cases, the plaintiff will need to hire an expert to illustrate what is required under the standard of care, explain the ways in which the defendant failed to meet the standard, and connect the defendant’s breach to the harm ultimately suffered.
If a plaintiff convinces the fact finder of the defendant’s negligence they may be awarded compensation for their financial harm, such as the cost of any necessary medical treatment, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. They may also be compensated for their less easily defined losses, which may include pain, mental and emotional trauma, and suffering.
Meet With a Skilled Prince George’s County Medical Malpractice AttorneyIf you were injured by inadequately rendered eye care, you may be able to pursue ophthalmologist malpractice claims, and you should meet with an attorney. The skilled Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., take pride in helping people harmed by medical negligence in the pursuit of damages, and if we represent you, we will zealously pursue any compensation you may be able to recover. 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 consultation.