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Surgical Errors, Nursing Home Negligence, Medical Malpractice Lawyers

In 1999, the Institute of Medicine released a report which claimed that some 44,000 people die each year because of medical errors. This frightening statistic was more recently doubled by the National Academy of Sciences, who increased that estimate to approximately 98,000 medical malpractice deaths each year. We have handled cases of medical, hospital and nursing home malpractice for many years, with many substantial verdicts and settlements. Our lawyers practice throughout the Southeastern U.S., while we are based in Virginia.

 

Virginia seems to be a state that faces more danger than others. In 2004, only 57 doctors faced disciplinary action from the Virginia Medical Board for medical errors. While these numbers might give you the idea that Virginia’s doctors are doing almost error-free work, these numbers are more of a reflection of the low level of monitoring by the Virginia Medical Board. In a 2003 Norfolk Virginian-Pilot article, reporter Liz Szabo illustrated how these low standards and lack of enforcement by the Board have led to doctors still being allowed to practice even after showing repeated signs of incompetence. In fact, lawsuits against bad doctors are probably the best method in Virginia for exposing deficient physicians and hospital care that is inadequate.

With increasingly complex forms of surgical and operative procedures being introduced into the medical field, it is imperative that Virginia’s doctors have the necessary training and skill to perform their duties. It is also necessary to have a regulatory agency that provides strict oversight and demands accountability. Until the Virginia Medical Board raises its standards of enforcement, episodes of medical malpractice in Virginia can be expected to increase.

The real tragedy of this lack of enforcement is that it tarnishes the profession, and makes the jobs of professional and competent doctors that much harder. Through our experience in protecting the rights of victims of medical errors, the Law Firm of Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis and Appleton has consulted with some of the foremost medical experts in Virginia and outside Virginia. We know what is required forensically to prove medical negligence. We know the difference between an unforeseen complication/bad result and an episode of incompetence or sheer negligence, and we will put all of our considerable skill and experience towards protecting the victims of violations of medical standards.

Virginia has one of the most restrictive medical malpractice “caps” on damages. The law provides some inflationary increases in the “cap” in intervals of years. North Carolina does not have a “cap” as of 2006. West Virginia does have special statutes relating to medical malpractice as well. Essentially, each state has its own set of pertinent statutes that must be analyzed.

Given the complexity of medical negligence cases, victims must carefully select lawyers who have a real track record with medical negligence cases, and our firm has just that experience. Please contact us to analyze your potential claim.

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