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When Doctors Do Harm: How Do I Know If I Have A Case?

Posted by: Craig Knapp
May 17, 2010
Topic: Medical Malpractice

Ineffective communication is one of the most frequently cited causes of serious medical injuries.   One study identified communication failure as the direct cause of seventy (70) percent of the injuries sustained by more than 2,000 hospital patients.  Seventy-five (75) percent of those failures led to a patient's death.  

If you have suffered a life changing injury, or a loved one died a premature death, how do you know if you have a case for medical negligence against the responsible doctor, nurse, or hospital? In sum, there are 3 important factors you must prove in order to prevail:

(1)  Negligence - You must show that your doctor failed to comply with the standard of care.  In other words, he or she did not act as a reasonably prudent physician should have under the same or similar circumstances.

(2)  Causation - You must also prove the negligent act(s) committed by the doctor caused your injury (or death) and that the injury (or death) would not have occurred if it were not for the negligent act(s).

(3)  Damages - Your injuries, medical expenses, and lost income (if applicable) resulting from the negligent act(s) or omission(s). 

Our clients who have been harmed by medical malpractice want us to promote safe care for others.  Our firm's goal is to help our clients and society by ensuring that this does not happen to someone else.  If, by pursuing meritorious medical liability cases, we promote safer care in doctor offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities that result in fewer preventable injuries and deaths, we are being true to our mission.  

Naturally, there are many issues that have to be investigated before a lawsuit is filed in a medical malpractice case.  If you suspect a serious medical error has occurred ... make a difference.  Together, we can make positive changes in health care.               


The Knapp & Roberts law firm represents serious injury and wrongful death clients throughout Arizona, including the communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma in the Valley of the Sun - Maricopa County, Pinal County, Coconino County, Yuma County, and Gila County.