Holding Physicians Accountable for Their Mistakes
Patients put a lot of faith in their doctor to provide them with appropriate care while receiving treatment for injuries and illnesses. When a doctor fails to follow the proper standard of care, your health and life are seriously at risk.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we can fervently represent your interests if you have been injured as a result of a doctor’s negligence.
Our doctor malpractice lawyers in Kansas City represent individuals in their medical malpractice claims throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. Call (816) 484-3776 today.
contact usCommon Types of Physician Errors
Physician errors can take many forms, and each can have serious, long-lasting effects on a patient’s health.
When doctors fail to meet the standard of care, the consequences may include prolonged suffering, worsened conditions, or even life-threatening complications.
Here are some common types of physician errors that may lead to a medical malpractice claim.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
When a physician fails to diagnose an illness correctly or promptly, it can lead to inappropriate or delayed treatment, often with devastating consequences.
Misdiagnosis can result in patients undergoing unnecessary procedures or medications, while delayed diagnosis can allow a condition to progress to a more advanced, less treatable stage.
Conditions like cancer, heart disease, and infections often require prompt diagnosis, and delays in identifying these issues can severely impact a patient’s prognosis.
Surgical Errors
Surgical procedures require precision and careful planning. Unfortunately, errors in surgery are not uncommon and can lead to severe complications. Common surgical errors include:
- Operating on a different (wrong) body part,
- Not removing surgical instruments from inside the patient, or
- Making accidental incisions that cause internal damage.
These mistakes can lead to infections, permanent damage, or additional surgeries, which can add significant physical and emotional strain to the patient’s recovery.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia must be carefully administered and monitored throughout a procedure.
Errors involving anesthesia—such as incorrect dosages, failure to consider a patient’s medical history, or inadequate monitoring during surgery—can cause severe complications, including brain damage or death.
The effects of anesthesia mistakes can be immediate and catastrophic, making vigilance and accuracy essential in all medical settings.
Medication and Prescription Mistakes
Medication errors are one of the most common types of physician negligence. These mistakes can occur when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication, administers an incorrect dosage, or fails to consider dangerous drug interactions.
For patients, these errors can lead to adverse reactions, overdose, or worsened medical conditions, sometimes requiring emergency intervention or hospitalization.
Failure to Monitor or Follow Up
Proper follow-up care is crucial after a diagnosis or procedure, allowing doctors to monitor a patient’s progress and address any complications.
When physicians neglect to follow up with patients or fail to track their recovery, it can lead to undetected issues or a deterioration of the patient’s health.
In complex conditions or surgeries, monitoring can be critical. A lack of monitoring can lead to unnecessary suffering and worsening outcomes.
If your condition worsens, or you develop new symptoms after a visit to the doctor, it is crucial to consult a physician negligence attorney right away. You may have a medical malpractice claim because of a physician error.
Why You Need to Hire Experienced Doctor Malpractice Lawyers
Medical malpractice cases are often complex, requiring an in-depth understanding of both legal and medical aspects.
When pursuing a claim, it’s crucial to have an experienced team of doctor malpractice lawyers who understand the nuances of malpractice law and have a track record of handling high-stakes cases.
Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen brings over 100 years of combined experience to each case, making us a trusted choice in Kansas City for individuals and families impacted by physician negligence.
Our commitment to client-centered service ensures we prioritize each client’s needs while building a strong, evidence-based case.
Our team understands the profound impact medical errors can have on a person’s life, and we fight diligently to hold physicians accountable for their mistakes and pursue the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
How to Sue a Doctor for Medical Negligence
If you believe a doctor’s negligence caused you harm, understanding how to pursue a medical malpractice claim can be crucial in seeking justice.
Here’s an overview of the process and how Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen supports clients at each phase.
Initial Consultation with a Doctor Negligence Lawyer
The first step in filing a medical negligence claim is to consult with an experienced attorney.
During this initial consultation, our doctor malpractice lawyers will review the details of your case, listen to your concerns, and help determine if there’s a basis for a malpractice claim.
This evaluation is essential to identifying the type and extent of physician negligence that occurred and exploring possible avenues for recovery.
Gathering Medical Records and Documentation
A solid medical negligence claim requires comprehensive documentation. Your attorney will help gather all relevant medical records, including diagnosis reports, treatment plans, prescriptions, and physician notes.
These documents are crucial in proving that your medical providers did not meet the applicable standard of care.
We will handle this process, ensuring all necessary records are collected and organized effectively to support your claim.
Consulting Medical Experts
Medical experts are essential in establishing a doctor’s deviation from the accepted standard of care.
Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen collaborates with trusted medical professionals who can evaluate the evidence, provide unbiased opinions, and, if necessary, testify about the physician’s actions in court.
These experts play a pivotal role in linking the doctor’s negligence to the harm suffered by the patient, strengthening your case.
Filing a Claim
If you’ve hired a physician negligence attorney, they will file your medical negligence claim.
This step includes drafting a complaint outlining the alleged negligence, your injuries, and the damages sought. We ensure that every detail is thoroughly prepared and filed per Kansas or Missouri law.
Negotiating or Going to Trial
The process may involve negotiations with the doctor’s insurance company or legal representatives. Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen will advocate for a fair settlement reflecting the full extent of your harm.
However, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if we cannot reach a settlement. With decades of experience and a strong track record, we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation in each case.
Throughout every phase of this process, our team of dedicated attorneys and medical experts provides the support and experience needed to build a compelling case.
Our commitment to comprehensive, client-focused representation ensures that each step is handled carefully, helping you pursue the justice and resources needed to move forward.
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to Sue a Doctor for Negligence?
When pursuing a medical malpractice claim, timing is essential. The statute of limitations—the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit—varies by state and can affect your ability to seek compensation.
In Kansas and Missouri, there are specific timeframes for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Missing these deadlines can mean losing the right to pursue compensation, making it vital to act promptly.
Consulting with the experienced doctor malpractice lawyers at Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen can help ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time limits, preserving your ability to seek justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Contact Our Accomplished Trial Lawyers
Partners Lee Dempsey, Bob Kingsland, and Jason Osteen are accomplished doctor malpractice lawyers in Kansas City who have secured substantial verdicts and settlements in medical negligence cases.
They have over 100 years of combined experience, which they can use to develop a winning strategy that is well-supported by evidence.
Our team conducts a thorough investigation and consults with medical experts to determine if a physician negligence claim is viable. We are committed to achieving maximum compensation for clients who have to suffer through no fault of their own.
