Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional’s actions fall below accepted standards of practice, causing harm to a patient. The impact of such negligence can be devastating, resulting not just in physical injury but also in emotional trauma and significant financial hardship for patients and their families. Spotting the signs of malpractice and understanding the rules for bringing a claim can be critical to protecting your right to financial compensation.

Common examples of medical malpractice are misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, where a provider fails to identify an illness or condition in a timely manner; surgical errors such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the body; medication mistakes involving improper dosing or prescription of the wrong drug; birth injuries that result from negligence during labor and delivery; and the failure to obtain informed consent, meaning the patient was not warned of potential risks before a procedure.

Signs that may indicate a patient has been a victim of medical malpractice include the following: 

• Continuing or worsening complications after a surgical or corrective procedure

• An outcome that deviates sharply from what the patient was told to expect

• Conflicting medical opinions about the diagnosis or the appropriateness of treatment 

• Noncommunication, evasive answers or unexplained gaps in medical records 

Also, many patients have an intuition when “something feels off,” and this should not be discounted.

Proving medical malpractice is not easy. These cases are often complex, requiring expert testimony and clear evidence of negligence. Hospitals and insurance companies may strongly resist claims to avoid financial liability. In addition, Connecticut law imposes procedural requirements on medical malpractice claims. One is the need for a “certificate of good faith,” which mandates that a plaintiff submit a written opinion from a qualified medical expert attesting that there appears to be evidence of malpractice. 

If you suspect malpractice, your first step should be to seek a second medical opinion. Document every detail, such as medical records, prescriptions, bills, and personal notes of conversations with providers. Next, consult an attorney experienced in Connecticut medical malpractice law, who will investigate the facts, collect evidence, determine potentially liable parties and file appropriate claims. The attorney will retain trusted experts, marshal negotiations with insurers and, if needed, represent you in court. With an attorney’s guidance, you can focus on healing as they pursue the compensation you deserve.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden or East Haven has extensive experience representing patients injured through medical malpractice. To have your potential Connecticut medical malpractice claim evaluated, call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.