​Medical Malpractice
 

The term “medical malpractice” describes harm to patients that results when a healthcare provider performs at a substandard level.  When a doctor, surgeon, nurse, psychiatrist, dentist, radiologist, chiropractor, podiatrist, or hospital commits a negligent act that injures a patient, that provider is liable for the consequences to that patient.  An action for malpractice seeks to force a negligent provider to pay compensatory damages to cover the injured person’s medical bills, lost income, physical pain and emotional suffering.  Since 1959, Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, L.L.P. has fought for injured patients in a variety of medical malpractice claims, including:

Anesthesia errors
Birth injuries
Dental malpractice
Hospital negligence
Medication errors
Missed or delayed diagnosis
Nursing home abuse
Surgery errors

Injured patients in Washington have a limited amount of time to bring medical malpractice claims after injuries occur.  Depending on the facts of your case, that period could be either one or three years.  Short time limits apply for lawsuits involving Madigan Army Medical Center or any other government facility or healthcare provider.  These statutory limits also apply to children.  If you suspect you have been injured due to a misdiagnosis, surgical error or other form of medical negligence, you should contact a  medical malpractice lawyer right away to allow ample time to secure your treatment records, identify important witnesses and allow for a proper investigation.

Washington law requires that medical malpractice claims undergo pretrial dispute resolution, which can be particularly intimidating to an injury victim making a claim.  Insurance companies usually provide defendant medical personnel with aggressive defense counsel to protect their interests and minimize payouts to victims.  Only an experienced medical malpractice attorney who is well versed in the law and has ready access to medical experts can effectively evaluate and advocate your case.  Our firm has the resources, knowledge and experience to help you through this difficult time.