Medical malpractice is far more common than many people realize. It is a shocking statistic to most, but The Washington Post recently reported that medical errors are actually the third leading cause of death in the United States. The only things that cause more fatalities each year are cancer and heart disease.
A recent story from our area highlights an especially unusual medical negligence case. According to reporting from the Corvallis Gazette Times, a doctor has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against another doctor. Here, our Portland medical malpractice lawyer highlights some of the notable points from the article. Then we explain what medical negligence victims need in order to be able to prove malpractice and recover financial compensation in Oregon.
Allegations of a Botched Surgery
The medical malpractice lawsuit in this case was filed in Benton County court. According to the legal complaint, a Corvallis, Oregon doctor received so-called ‘filler’ injections as part of a cosmetic operation designed to reduce facial wrinkles. This is a relatively common operation; it is sought by many people each year. However, in this case, the doctor alleges that the operation went very wrong.
She claims that she was informed by the plastic surgeon that the injections she was receiving were medical products that were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yet, when complications developed, including pain and suffering, a disfiguring tumor, and reduced vision, she alleges that she learned the ‘filler’ was not actually FDA approved after all. She is seeking nearly $7 million in financial damages. Currently, this lawsuit is pending.
Medical Malpractice: Victims Must Prove they Received Substandard Care
Medical malpractice claims are notoriously complex. This case can be used to illustrate one of the most important things that patients in Portland, OR need to know about medical negligence and medical malpractice: You must prove you received substandard care to prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
This is a crucial point. Medical complications arise in many different cases. The fact that a patient has experienced complications, though always frustrating and difficult, and sometimes tragic, is not sufficient to prove medical negligence or medical malpractice. Instead, a patient must be able to prove, with strong supporting evidence, that their doctor or healthcare provider did something wrong, and that their misconduct caused the medical complications.
This is why it is so important that patients who have experienced medical complications seek guidance from a qualified Portland medical negligence lawyer as soon as they possibly can. Your lawyer will be able to investigate the specific details of the case, and begin putting together the evidence to build a strong malpractice claim so that you can get access to compensation.
Contact Our Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At Johnston Law Firm, P.C., our Oregon medical negligence attorneys have deep experience handling complex malpractice claims. If you or a family member suffered injured because of the carelessness or recklessness of a medical professional or a healthcare provider, we can help.
To arrange your risk free case evaluation, please do not hesitate to call (503) 546-3167 or contact us online today. With an office in the heart of Portland, we handle medical malpractice cases throughout the region, including in Multnomah County, Hood River County, Clackamas County, Washington County, and Columbia County.