Nassau County Medical Malpractice Lawyer

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice, sometimes referred to as medical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional or facility fails to provide treatment that meets accepted standards of care. This failure can lead to injury, illness, or the worsening of an existing condition for the patient.

According to the New York City Bar, medical malpractice (or medical negligence) occurs when a doctor, healthcare professional, hospital, or other healthcare facility fails to care for someone in accordance with the accepted standards of the medical profession, and the person is injured, becomes illl, or a condition or illness worsens as a result.

Examples of medical malpractice include:

• The resultant misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is harmful.
• Errors during surgery or procedures.
• Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage.
• Failure to inform patients of the risks of treatment.
• Inadequate post-treatment care resulting in complications.
• Failure to obtain informed consent before procedures.

Believing you’re a victim of medical malpractice makes consulting an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Nassau County critical to ensuring your rights are protected. Skilled legal guidance can help you navigate complex medical and legal matters, giving you the best chance at securing compensation.

Who Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice? 

Medical malpractice claims can be filed against various individuals and entities responsible for providing substandard care. Potential defendants in a medical malpractice case may include doctors, nurses, surgeons, hospital staff, or even entire healthcare facilities. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies or lab technicians might be held accountable if their negligence harms patients. Identifying the responsible party requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the injury, examining medical records, consulting expert witnesses, and reviewing hospital policies. These steps help build a strong case and ensure that justice is served for victims of medical malpractice.

Hospital Negligence

Hospitals can be sued for medical malpractice when negligence damages a patient’s injury or harm. This can occur when the hospital fails to ensure its staff are properly trained or qualified, leading to substandard care and preventable medical errors. Additionally, hospitals may be held liable for actions such as inadequate staffing, poorly maintained facilities, or unsafe protocols that jeopardize patient safety and recovery. They must also ensure that no foreign objects, such as surgical sponges or instruments, are left inside a patient’s body after a procedure. If such errors occur, they can lead to severe complications and long-term health issues, making the hospital legally responsible for the harm caused.

Examples of Hospital Negligence 

Hospital negligence can encompass a variety of scenarios where the standard of care is not upheld. Some common examples include: 

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis caused by inadequate tests or unqualified staff.
• Medication errors, such as administering the wrong dosage or incorrect medication.
• Surgical mistakes, including operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
• Failure to monitor patients properly leads to worsening conditions being overlooked.
• Incorrect discharge procedures, such as releasing patients too early or without adequate instructions for follow-up care.
• Lack of emergency preparedness leads to delayed treatment in critical situations.

Instances of negligence can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. Our dedicated legal team is here to assess the specific circumstances and help take legal action to seek justice.

Why Seeking Legal Representation is Crucial in Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice cases are complex, involving medical records, expert testimonies, and legal processes. For those affected by medical negligence, hiring an experienced attorney is essential. A medical malpractice lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to secure compensation for damages like medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They handle deadlines, filings, and expert witnesses, ensuring no detail is overlooked. With a skilled advocate by your side, you increase your chances of justice and holding negligent providers accountable. Don’t navigate this alone—get the legal support you deserve.

How Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Nassau County Can Help

Enlisting the help of a qualified attorney can make or break your case. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, our experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Nassau County can help by:

Evaluating Your Case 

Our process begins with a thorough evaluation of your situation. We carefully examine the circumstances of your case to identify whether any errors occurred during your medical treatment. These errors are analyzed in detail to determine if they meet the legal criteria for malpractice. This step ensures we have a clear understanding of the issues at hand and whether they warrant further legal action. 

Gathering Evidence 

We collect all necessary evidence to strengthen your case, including medical records, statements, and expert testimonies. This step is critical in building a solid case that demonstrates how negligence occurred and its impact on your health and life. 

Advocating for You 

We are dedicated to representing your best interests, whether during negotiations or in court. We aim to obtain the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve experienced. We work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard, justice is served, and your rights are fully protected at every step.

Providing Personal Support 

We know how deeply medical malpractice cases can affect your emotional and physical life. That’s why we provide compassionate support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring you feel understood and supported throughout the entire legal process.

Our team has a track record of successfully representing victims of medical malpractice. 

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle

At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we handle a variety of medical malpractice cases, including but not limited to misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, delayed diagnoses, medication mistakes, anesthesia errors, hospital negligence, nursing home abuse, emergency room mistakes, and more. Our team is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Surgical Errors 

Surgical errors occur when mistakes are made during or after a surgical procedure, leading to serious consequences. These can include leaving foreign objects, such as surgical tools or sponges, inside the patient’s body, performing the wrong procedure, or accidentally damaging nearby organs or tissues. If not addressed quickly, such errors can result in severe complications, long-term health issues, or even death.

Misdiagnosis and Failure to Diagnose 

Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose occurs when a medical condition is identified incorrectly or overlooked entirely. Serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or stroke may go undetected, delaying treatment and worsening the patient’s health. This can lead to unnecessary treatments or prevent life-saving interventions. 

Birth Injuries 

Birth injuries affect either the baby, the mother, or both during childbirth, often due to improper medical care or negligence. These injuries may include brain damage, fractures, or nerve damage in the baby or severe complications for the mother, such as excessive bleeding or damage to reproductive organs. Proper care, experienced healthcare providers, and timely decisions are crucial during delivery to avoid such devastating and life-altering outcomes for families and their loved ones.

Medication Errors 

Medication errors happen when the wrong drug, dose, or instructions are provided to the patient. These errors include prescribing medications that interact dangerously with others, failing to account for allergies, or providing unclear instructions. Such mistakes can result in adverse reactions, hospitalization, serious complications, or even death, highlighting the critical need for accuracy in healthcare. 

Anesthesia Mishaps 

Anesthesia errors occur during surgery and can have life-threatening consequences for patients. These include administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient properly, or not considering important pre-existing medical conditions. Mistakes can lead to severe injury, brain damage, permanent disability, or even death, making precision and vigilance critical in every procedure.

State law outlines specific timelines and requirements for pursuing such cases. For example, New York Civil Practice Law §214-A states that actions for medical malpractice must be commenced within two years and six months.

Compensation Available in Medical Malpractice Cases

Victims of medical malpractice often face financial, emotional, and physical burdens. Compensation in these cases aims to address these losses, restore justice, and provide financial security. Here is what you may be entitled to seek:

Economic Damages 

Economic damages refer to tangible, measurable financial losses resulting from malpractice. These include medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment costs. Additionally, lost wages due to missed work, reduced earning capacity, and expenses for rehabilitation or therapy fall under this category. These damages are carefully calculated to compensate for the direct financial impact on the victim and ensure fairness in recovery.

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages address the more subjective, intangible impacts of malpractice. These include compensation for pain and suffering endured by the victim, emotional distress caused by the incident, loss of enjoyment of life, and a diminished quality of life resulting from physical or emotional limitations. Although harder to quantify, these damages are essential in addressing the full scope of harm caused by malpractice cases.

Wrongful Death Damages 

In cases of wrongful death stemming from malpractice, New York estates law allows families to seek compensation for their loss. These damages may cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family members. The law ensures that families can hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Our attorneys are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for victims. We understand every case is unique and offer personalized support to help you achieve your desired results.

How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Nassau County?

Time is of the essence when filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. In New York, the statute of limitations generally requires you to file a claim within two years and six months from the date of the act, omission, or failure complained of. However, different rules may apply in specific cases, such as foreign objects left in the body or failure to diagnose cancer.

It’s vital to act quickly and consult a skilled medical malpractice lawyer in Nassau County to ensure you meet all legal deadlines. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to pursue fair and deserved compensation.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Nassau County for a Free Consultation

When a healthcare professional’s negligence causes harm, you don’t have to face the consequences alone. The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe offers compassionate, expert legal help to guide you through this challenging time.

Here’s what you can expect from working with us:

• A free and confidential consultation.
• Clear guidance on your legal rights.
• Dedicated advocacy to achieve the best possible outcome.

Call 516-358-6900 today to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Nassau County 

Don’t wait—your health, rights, and future are worth fighting for. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of a successful claim. Get a free consultation today.

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