The Best Virginia (VA) Medical Malpractice Web Resource

Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes

by James Lewis

Listed in "Best Lawyers in America" ('13 Ed., Medical Malpractice) - Car Accident Injuries, Truck Wrecks, FELA

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by the negligence of a doctor or surgeon, you probably have questions and concerns. This page is meant as a resource for you and was developed by our team of experienced medical malpractice injury attorneys. If you're a resident of North Carolina or South Carolina, take a moment to visit one of the best Carolina medical malpractice web resources available.

Watch these informational videos related to medical malpractice injuries in Virginia

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Frequently asked questions

What is the "cap" on medical malpractice damages in Virginia?

What is the statute of limitations on a medical negligence claim in Virginia?

Consumer guides focused on medical malpractice and surgical errors

(1) Top Ten Tips from an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers

(2) Surgeries Gone Wrong: The Top 5 Surgical Errors and How Not to Become a Victim

Case results our Virginia medical malpractice law firm have achieved for clients:

Retained Surgical Sponge and Subsequent Complications Awarded: $425,000.00

$2.3 Million Jury Verdict for Child Birth Injury Awarded: $2.3 Million

Failed Back Surgery Awarded: The case was settled before the trial for 1.25 million dollars.

Failure to Diagnose/ER Doctor/vascular incident (aortic aneurysim) Awarded: $700,000.00

Misdiagnosis Results in $650,000.00 Settlement Awarded: $650,000.00

We've also handled multiple cut/nicked ureter/bowel cases. Here is an example - we settled a cut ureter injury case for $400,000.00

Types of medical malpractice

Nursing home abuse/neglect - Examples include malnourishment, bruising, dramatic weight loss, dehydration, sudden injuries, etc.
Surgical errors/mistakes - Examples include anesthesia mistakes, improper sterilization, technical errors, nerve damage, unnecessary surgery, surgery on the wrong part of the body, foreign objects left in the body, and organ puncture.
Improper diagnosis and misdiagnosis - Examples include misread x-rays, misread test results, failure to order common diagnostic tests, and ignored or missed symptoms. Commonly missed diagnoses include heart attacks, cancer, hypertension, clogged arteries, and infections.
Negligent care - Examples include the improper use of restraints, the improper administration of medication or wrong medication, hospital abuse, or lack of sufficient staff.
Birth injury - These terrible injuries are due to hospital error and can lead to cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or brain damage. The mistake may be the obstetrician's, nurses' or other treater in the maternity ward, but the common feature of these claims is the permanent, catastrophic injury to the mother or baby.

As you can see, the complexity of medical negligence cases is extensive so victims should carefully select lawyers who have a real track record with medical negligence cases, and our law firm qualifies.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates there are approximately 98,000 medical malpractice deaths each year. Hearst Newspapers released a study indicating roughly 200,000 people die each year due to preventable medical mistakes. This loss of life is unacceptable and the doctors, nurses, and physicians who performed these medical errors need to be held accountable.

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. In a 2003 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.