Your doctor has made a surgical error, which has caused you serious injuries. You now think that by calling your doctor (assuming you can even get him or her on the phone at this point) and explaining your pain and challenging future outlook, that your doctor will “make things right” and settle your claim. Unfortunately if you are thinking this way you are more than likely badly mistaken.
Proving a medical malpractice case is a very complex task under Maryland law. There are numerous hurdles that you must jump through just to get your case into court. If you do not follow these procedures to the letter, chances are your case will be dismissed or unsuccessful.
Doctors are not only aware of this fact, but doctors now that there are serious consequences that can result from a medical malpractice finding. For example, these types of claims can have an adverse effect on a doctor’s medical malpractice insurance.
Also, a doctor’s privileges at certain hospitals may be revoked depending on the facts and circumstances. Finally, a doctor’s license to practice medicine may be effected.
It is for these reasons, and others, that your doctor more than likely is not going to settle any of your claims against them if you are trying to handle these types of cases on your own. At the end of the day, these doctors have attorneys representing them and they know that there is a very slim chance that a pro se plaintiff (a person representing themselves) will be able to navigate these legal waters.
If you think that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, and you would like to speak to someone further about what you should do, or you now know you need a professional to help you negotiate this process, we invite you to give us a call. We can be reached at 301-850-4832. Individuals like you ask us Maryland medical malpractice questions all the time and we would be glad to listen to your story.