Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Grand Rapids

Q: What can a medical malpractice defense attorney do for a doctor who has been sued by a patient?

A: While it can be upsetting and stressful to be sued by a patient, medical malpractice lawsuits are actually fairly common. In fact, a recent American Medical Association benchmark survey found that more than one third of physicians in the U.S. have been sued for malpractice at some point during their career. In the event of a patient lawsuit, the doctor’s malpractice insurance provider will supply the doctor with a malpractice defense attorney to handle the case. If the doctor is not confident with the insurer-provided attorney—for instance, if they sense that their case is being passed along to less experienced associates, or if they feel like they are being forced into a settlement by their insurer—they can hire, and pay for, private counsel. In these cases, the private malpractice defense attorney can explain legal procedures, weigh in on case strategy and settlement possibilities, and suggest stronger defense action if warranted.

Q: As a healthcare provider, how do I avoid medical malpractice?

A: With the goal of enhancing the quality of care provided, while also limiting the risk of harm to patients, doctors can reduce the likelihood of medical malpractice lawsuits by adopting best practices, such as the following:

• Establish trusting relationships through open and honest communication, and disclose poor outcomes and errors if they occur.
• Stay up to date on disease management methods, technological advancements, and current standards of care in their area of specialty.
• Obtain informed consent by fully explaining the risks and possible outcomes of procedures and treatments.
• Improve follow-up care after any missed appointments and scheduled tests and procedures to help prevent delayed or overlooked diagnoses.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of patient exams, treatments, and counseling provided.

Q: How does a medical malpractice lawsuit work?

A: A consultation with an attorney is the first step in initiating a medical malpractice lawsuit. During the consultation, the patient will explain their case, including their injuries and the impact of those injuries on their life and well-being. The patient will identify the person or organization they believe breached the standard of care, and indicate how they believe that breach led to their injuries. The attorney will determine if the patient has a viable malpractice claim, and if so, will enter into an agreement to represent the patient. Next, the attorney will begin an investigation, reviewing medical records and consulting with medical experts. Following the investigation, the discovery process will allow the plaintiff and defendant to share information with each other about the case under oath. In the vast majority of malpractice cases, the settlement phase follows. During this phase, the doctor or facility will agree to pay the plaintiff a mutually agreed upon amount of money. If a settlement cannot be reached during this phase, the medical malpractice lawsuit will proceed to trial.