Hilo Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Seeking Justice for Medical Negligence Victims in Hilo, HI

Medical malpractice is a distressing situation that can leave patients and their families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. At Davis Levin Livingston, we understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation to victims across Hawaii. If you or a loved one have suffered due to medical negligence, our experienced team of Hilo medical malpractice lawyers is here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.

Call (808) 740-0633 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, surgeon, or hospital, fails to provide appropriate and competent medical care, resulting in harm to the patient. These cases involve a breach of the medical standard of care, meaning that the healthcare provider's actions or omissions fell below the accepted level of professionalism and skill within the medical community.

Here are some common types of medical malpractice cases:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to correctly diagnose a medical condition or delays the diagnosis, leading to a worsened medical outcome. For instance, misdiagnosing cancer or heart disease can have serious consequences.
• Surgical Errors: Surgical malpractice involves mistakes made during surgical procedures. These can range from wrong-site surgery (operating on the wrong part of the body) to leaving surgical instruments inside the patient's body.
• Medication Errors: Medication-related malpractice can involve prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failing to consider a patient's allergies or potential drug interactions.
• Anesthesia Errors: Anesthesia malpractice can include administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient's vital signs properly during surgery, or not considering the patient's medical history when choosing anesthetic agents.
• Birth Injuries: These cases involve injuries to the mother or baby during childbirth. Examples include cerebral palsy caused by lack of oxygen during delivery or improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction.
• Hospital Negligence: Hospitals can be held liable for negligence if they fail to provide a safe and hygienic environment, adequately supervise staff, or maintain proper equipment.
• Emergency Room Errors: Mistakes made in the emergency room can lead to serious consequences due to the fast-paced and high-stress nature of the environment. Misdiagnosis, medication errors, and delays in treatment are common examples.
• Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Patients have the right to be informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a medical procedure before giving their consent. If a healthcare provider fails to provide adequate information, it can lead to a medical malpractice case.
• Lack of Proper Follow-up: Healthcare providers have a duty to provide appropriate follow-up care after a procedure or treatment. Failure to do so can result in worsened conditions or complications.
• Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse: When elderly residents of nursing homes are not provided with proper care, including medical attention, nutrition, and hygiene, it can lead to malpractice claims.
• Radiology and Lab Errors: Misinterpretation of test results, including X-rays, MRIs, and lab tests, can lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
• Infections and Postoperative Complications: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) or complications arising after surgery can result from inadequate sterilization procedures, poor wound care, or improper monitoring.

Proving medical malpractice typically requires demonstrating that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care expected in their field and that this breach directly caused harm to the patient.

Generally, the statute allows victims to file a lawsuit within two years from the date the injury occurred or the date it was discovered (or should have been discovered).

How Our Hilo Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help

Our firm has a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients in medical malpractice cases. With decades of combined legal experience, our team is well-equipped to handle even the most complex medical malpractice claims.

We understand the emotional toll of medical malpractice cases and will provide unwavering support throughout the legal process. Our skilled negotiators will strive to reach a fair settlement, but we are fully prepared to take your case to court if needed.

Contact us today at (808) 740-0633 to schedule a free consultation.