Attorney
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. This can happen in hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, nursing homes, and even in private practices. Any licensed medical professional—including doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists, anesthesiologists, and pharmacists—can be held accountable in a medical malpractice claim if they fail to provide proper treatment or make a serious error.
To qualify as malpractice, the case must typically involve:
- A doctor-patient relationship
- A breach of the standard of care
- A direct link between that breach and an injury
- Significant damages as a result
To learn more about how to respond if you suspect malpractice, visit our related article: What to Do If You’ve Been the Victim of Medical Malpractice in Washington, D.C.
What Are Common Cases of Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice can take many forms. Below are some of the most common situations that may qualify as malpractice:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
When a provider fails to identify a condition correctly or delays a diagnosis, it can lead to worsening conditions or even death. - Surgical Errors
This includes operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or making preventable mistakes during surgery. - Medication Errors
Providing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to account for drug interactions can all cause serious harm. - Birth Injuries
Mistakes made during labor and delivery—such as failure to monitor fetal distress or misuse of delivery tools—can cause lifelong disabilities. - Anesthesia Errors
Administering too much or too little anesthesia, or failing to monitor a patient’s vitals, can have life-threatening consequences. - Failure to Treat
When a condition is correctly diagnosed but the appropriate treatment is not provided or followed through, this can lead to severe complications.
Explore more detailed examples in our blog: Top 5 Common Reasons for a Malpractice Lawsuit
Common Signs That Dictate if a Claim Qualifies for Medical Malpractice
Not every bad medical outcome is the result of malpractice. However, certain red flags may suggest otherwise:
- A sudden, unexpected decline in health after treatment
- The need for corrective procedures or surgeries
- Poor communication or vague explanations from the provider
- Ignored symptoms or dismissed concerns
- Contradictory second opinions
If you notice these signs, it’s important to take them seriously. A deeper dive into identifying common errors and knowing your rights can help clarify your next steps.
Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
In the District of Columbia, you generally have three years from the date of injury—or from when the injury reasonably should have been discovered—to file a medical malpractice claim. This deadline is critical. Missing it could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
Acting quickly is essential. Medical records can be lost or altered over time, and key evidence can become harder to obtain. If you suspect medical negligence, the best course of action is to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Talk to a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has suffered due to a medical provider’s mistake, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help.
We offer free consultations to review your case and provide honest, straightforward guidance. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.Contact us today to schedule your free case on.