Spokane Valley Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Dealing with a personal injury caused by medical malpractice can feel overwhelming. You likely have many uncertainties about your legal options, the investigation and claims process, proving negligence, navigating the healthcare and insurance systems, and determining the full value of your damages. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help guide you through this difficult situation and fight to get you maximum compensation.

The dedicated personal injury lawyers at Moseley Collins Law have been advocating for victims of medical negligence in for over 40 years. We have an in-depth understanding of medical malpractice laws and proven results obtaining substantial recoveries for our clients. Our lawyers will stand by your side and handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing.

Below we explain more about how medical malpractice cases work in Washington State, key areas of negligence to be aware of, and reasons to choose us as your trusted legal advisors and advocates. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential case. Even if we cannot take on your case, we will provide recommendations and point you in the right direction.

How Spokane Valley Medical Malpractice Claims Work

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to meet accepted standards of medical care, resulting in patient injury or wrongful death. Doctors, nurses, surgeons, specialists, dentists, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers can all be held liable.

To prove medical malpractice in Washington, four key elements must be established:

  • Duty of care - The medical provider owed a duty of care to the patient by virtue of the doctor-patient or hospital-patient relationship. This duty involves meeting reasonable standards of medical care.
  • Breach of duty - The doctor or other provider breached their duty of care by failing to meet accepted standards of medical practice. Usually expert testimony is required to prove this breach.
  • Injury/damages - The breach of duty directly caused harm, injury, financial loss, or wrongful death to the patient. Again, medical expert opinions often are needed to prove causation.
  • Proximate cause - The provider's negligence was the proximate or primary cause of the patient's damages rather than some other factor. Essentially, the patient must prove they would not have been harmed "but for" the provider's malpractice.

Washington also follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, meaning a patient can recover damages even if they were partially at fault or negligent regarding their own care. Any compensation awarded will be reduced by the patient's percentage of fault. This contrasts with other states that bar recovery if the patient was at all negligent.

It is crucial to act quickly in potential malpractice cases, as Washington imposes strict statute of limitations deadlines:

  • Adults - 3 years from the date of injury

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can fully investigate your case, obtain expert medical opinions, assemble evidence establishing negligence and causation, calculate all avenues of damages you may claim, and file the case on time so your rights are preserved. The lawyers at Moseley Collins Law have proven expertise in this complex process that can make or break a claim.

Examples of Common Medical Negligence

Examples of Common Medical Negligence

Medical malpractice encompasses any kind of negligent or substandard medical care that harms the patient. Some more specific examples include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis - Failure to properly diagnose a condition, or delays in diagnosing that negatively impact prognosis, are a leading cause of malpractice injuries. Missing a cancer diagnosis, for example, can be devastating.
  • Medication errors - Prescribing the wrong medications or wrong doses leads to thousands of serious preventable adverse reactions yearly. Similarly, pharmacy dispensing errors can cause patient harm.
  • Surgical mistakes - Mistakes made during operations, such as surgery on the wrong body part or leaving foreign objects inside patients after surgery, may constitute negligence.
  • Anesthesia errors - Improper administration of anesthesia, failure to monitor vital signs, or inadequate dosing can lead to brain damage, stroke, nerve damage or even death.
  • Laboratory mistakes - Diagnostic errors in radiology, pathology, and lab tests can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
  • Birth injuries - Negligence during pregnancy, labor or delivery, such as failure to detect fetal distress or improper use of forceps, may injure the baby.
  • Lack of informed consent - Doctors and hospitals are required to clearly explain the risks of any procedure and obtain the patient's consent. Failing to do so mean the consent is not valid.
  • Premises liability - Injuries that occur due to negligent maintenance of hospital facilities and equipment may constitute malpractice. For example, a patient injured in a wheelchair accident caused by faulty brakes.

No matter the specific circumstances of your case, our lawyers have the resources and expertise to fully investigate potential negligence, build strong arguments proving liability, and demonstrate the full extent of damages you have suffered. We handle even the most complex catastrophic injury cases.

Why Choose Us for Your Medical Malpractice Case

What should you look for when choosing the right medical malpractice law firm? Here are just a few of the key benefits we provide to clients:

  • 40+ years of focused experience - Since the 1980s our firm has specialized in personal injury and malpractice litigation. Few firms can match this depth of focused experience specifically handling healthcare negligence claims.
  • Proven track record of results - Our past recoveries and case results speak for themselves. We have helped clients secure substantial verdicts and settlements in a wide range of medical negligence cases.
  • National network of medical experts - We work with the top specialist physicians across the country in their respective fields. Their expert opinions are critical for proving substandard care.
  • Comprehensive investigation skills - No stone is left unturned as our lawyers gather all pertinent medical records, accounts, documentation, and other evidence to build a strong case.
  • Meticulous case preparation - Each case is handled with diligent preparation, leaving nothing to chance. We take the time needed to fully demonstrate negligence and damages.
  • Courtroom and settlement negotiation skills - If a fair settlement offer is not obtained through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take cases to court. Our trial experience and litigation skills are sharp.
  • Caring and compassionate - We know this is likely one of the most difficult times in your life. More than just clients, we care for you as people. Your health recovery and peace of mind are just as important as financial recovery.

When you have been harmed due to medical negligence, you need a lawyer who will look out for your best interests - not the interests of insurance companies or healthcare facilities. The team at Moseley Collins Law prides itself on personal service, compassion, open communication, and a relentless commitment to advocating for our injured clients.

Hospitals and Medical Facilities in Spokane Valley

Here we provide an overview of the major hospitals and medical clinics located in Spokane Valley, WA:

Providence Holy Family Hospital
  • 5633 North Lidgerwood Street, Spokane, WA 99208
  • Part of the extensive Providence health system with specialty centers for neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, cancer care and more.
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital
  • 101 W 8th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
  • Flagship hospital for Providence's Inland Northwest Washington region providing top-tier adult and pediatric medical services.
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital
  • 800 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
  • Full-service hospital with emergency trauma care, heart services, orthopedics, cancer care, neurology and other specialties.
Valley Hospital and Medical Center
  • 12606 E Mission Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
  • An HCA Healthcare affiliated hospital providing comprehensive medical services combined with compassionate, personalized care.
Rockwood Health System
  • Several clinic locations in Spokane Valley and surrounding region
  • Multi-specialty clinics and urgent care centers for family medicine, internal medicine, walk-in care and more.

Cities and Towns We Serve in Spokane Valley

Cities and Towns We Serve in Spokane Valley

Our Spokane Valley medical malpractice law firm proudly provides dedicated legal representation to injured victims and their families in cities and towns throughout the valley, including:

Spokane Valley

  • Largest suburb of Spokane and 2nd most populous city in the state east of the Cascades. Home to over 95,000 residents.
  • Economy centered around manufacturing, health care, retail, education and regional trade.

Spokane

  • Second largest city in Washington with population exceeding 220,000 residents. Hub for the Inland Northwest region.
  • Major industries include health care, higher education, manufacturing and technology.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries or death due to substandard medical care in Spokane Valley or the surrounding region, please reach out to our legal team. We are standing by ready to help you understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation through a malpractice claim or wrongful death lawsuit.

Our Pledge to Medical Malpractice Victims in Spokane Valley, WA

The medical negligence lawyers at Moseley Collins Law pledge to treat each client with respect, compassion, and sensitivity during what is likely one of the most difficult experiences of their lives. Our firm was built on principles of client service and advocacy. We take the time to understand our clients' full situation and needs.

Some of the ways in which we make this pledge real for those who put their trust in our lawyers:

  • Communicating in plain language - We avoid confusing "legalese" and ensure clients fully understand their options.
  • Guiding clients step-by-step - We welcome your questions and guide you through each part of the process.
  • Maintaining accessibility - Our lawyers personally take client calls and provide their cell phone numbers for ongoing contact.
  • Delivering honest case assessments - We will be upfront about the pros/cons of your potential claim during free consultations.
  • Exploring all options thoroughly - Before making recommendations, we carefully consider all options for obtaining compensation.
  • Pursuing maximum recovery - Our goal is full compensation for all your injury-related expenses, losses, and suffering.
  • Standing up to insurers - We will confront unwilling insurance companies and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
  • Taking valid cases to trial - If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to take your case before a judge and jury.
  • Understanding client stresses - We know malpractice cases can impact marriages, family life, and emotional health. We try to reduce client burdens wherever possible.
  • Demonstrating compassion - Our support extends beyond just legal issues. We treat clients as human beings, with care and compassion.

Putting your case in our hands means gaining a team fully dedicated to your best interests, to fighting for you, and to helping relieve the burdens as you seek justice. Please reach out if we can help you move forward following medical negligence.

Free Consultations with a Seasoned Medical Malpractice Law Firm

The experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Moseley Collins Law offer free, no-obligation consultations and case reviews to anyone who has suffered serious injury or wrongful death caused by medical negligence. We know you likely have many questions and uncertainties about your legal rights. We are happy to review the details of your case, conduct an initial investigation, and discuss your options moving forward.

There is absolutely no charge for this service, and no fees or costs of any kind unless we successfully resolve your case down the road. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Our goal at the initial consultation is to provide you with knowledgeable guidance when you need it most, and to help you make informed choices related to potential legal action.

Some key benefits of an initial free consultation include:

  • Understanding if your case meets the criteria required to prove medical malpractice in Washington.
  • Learning more about the various types of damages you may claim, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
  • Discussing the strengths and weaknesses of your potential malpractice claim.
  • Gaining insight into the investigation process, timetables involved, and how a case typically proceeds.
  • Getting a feel for our client service and how we may be able to help you.
  • Asking us any additional questions you may have.
  • Potentially avoiding statutes of limitations deadlines. Timing is critical!

Our legal team knows waiting can be the hardest part following medical negligence. We aim to alleviate uncertainties following errors in your care, and help chart an informed path forward. If we are unable to accept your case, we will gladly provide referrals to other firms or resources.

Contact us online or call our office today to schedule a free consultation. There are never any obligations or expectations. We are simply here to help during a difficult time!

What qualifies as medical malpractice in Spokane Valley, WA?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What qualifies as medical malpractice in Spokane Valley, WA?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet accepted standards of medical care, resulting in patient injury or death. Examples may include surgical errors, medication mistakes, misdiagnosis, lack of informed consent, birth injuries, and more. Malpractice can occur at any medical facility such as a hospital, doctor's office, clinic, or nursing home in Spokane Valley.

How do I prove my doctor was negligent in Spokane Valley, WA?

Proving medical negligence requires showing 1) the provider owed a duty of care to the patient, 2) the provider breached this duty through substandard treatment or errors, 3) the breach directly caused injury or damages, and 4) no other factors were primarily responsible. Having independent medical experts review your records is crucial to proving breach of duty. An experienced malpractice lawyer can coordinate expert opinions.

What kinds of damages can I recover in a Spokane Valley medical malpractice case?

If successful in your claim, you may recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Your lawyer will fully document your financial losses, lifestyle impacts, physical/mental health impacts and other harms relating to the malpractice. Maximum compensation depends on proving the full extent of damages.

How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer in Spokane Valley?

Highly experienced medical malpractice lawyers generally work on contingency, meaning no upfront fees to clients. The lawyer collects a portion (often 33-40%) of any final settlement or award only if your case is successful. There is no cost for initial consultations. Reputable lawyers are happy to discuss fee structures during an initial meeting.

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in WA?

Washington imposes strict deadlines on filing malpractice claims: 3 years from injury for adults and 2 years from death for wrongful death suits. It is critical to act quickly and find representation to avoid having your case dismissed for failing to meet the statute of limitations. A lawyer can give guidance on timing.

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