Virginia Hospital, Physician, and Nursing Negligence Attorneys

When you enter a hospital for necessary medical treatment, you expect professional and responsible care. If a hospital, physician or nurse fails to provide adequate and proper medical treatment, you may face a new injury or illness, even as an existing health condition remains unchecked.

The medical malpractice attorneys at Marks & Harrison have been representing the injured of Virginia since 1911. Our lawyers know that medical providers have responsibilities under Virginia law. When doctors, nurses and hospitals fail to meet those responsibilities, we will fight for the rights of those seriously harmed by medical negligence.

If you have questions about an instance of physician, hospital or nursing negligence, contact our Richmond medical malpractice lawyers today at 1-800-283-2202 for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation, or submit a Case Evaluation online. We have offices throughout Virginia, including in Richmond, Hopewell, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Tappahannock, Louisa, Staunton and Fredericksburg.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies estimates that about 1.5 million patients are victims of hospital mistakes each year. In 2004, the Virginia Medical Board disciplined only 57 doctors for medical errors – but many believe this low number is a result of inadequate monitoring that allows poorly performing health care professionals to continue treating patients. Certainly some mistakes will happen despite the best of care, but when a nurse or doctor does not take the time to follow accepted medical procedures, patients suffer. Instances of physician, nursing or hospital negligence can include:

• Failure to order a diagnostic test
• Misinterpretation of test results
• Failure to create a follow-up plan with the patient
• Failure to take the patient’s full medical history
• Failure to conduct a physical exam
• Faulty memory or medical knowledge
• Handing over a patient to another doctor
• Surgical error
• Anesthesia error
• Improper patient discharge
• Failure to provide patients with post-operative directions
• Bed sores
• Failure to follow safety or hygiene standards
• Incorrect administration of medication – primarily due to incorrect dosage or medicine

Negligence on the part of health care providers can result in serious medical complications; some may be treatable with extensive care, but others are not reversible and may cause death or negative long-term health conditions. Some of the more serious complications associated with negligence include:

• Infection
• Internal bleeding
• Heart failure
• Irreparable nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Organ failure
• Oxygen deprivation
• Brain injury

When the medical mistake of a physician, nurse or hospital wreaks havoc on your health, a lawsuit may be the only recourse for justice. However, Virginia maintains a very strict legal code pertaining to medical negligence lawsuits.

• There is a damage cap placed on most negligence cases, which limits the amount of compensation a victim or family may receive.
• A medical review panel may review proposed lawsuits.
• The state has established a compensation fund for birth injuries to eliminate legal action in those cases.
• If a patient can be shown to bear partial responsible for his or her injuries, any lawsuit against an institution or provider may be dismissed on the basis of contributory negligence – even if the doctor or hospital failed to provide adequate care.

Regardless of the legal challenges facing medical negligence cases, the attorneys at Marks & Harrison believe that patients' rights deserve protection. We know that only an attorney with extensive experience representing victims of negligence in Virginia can provide the legal counsel and strategic recommendations needed to recover damages. When the laws offer so much shelter to those liable for negligence, you need a tough, dedicated legal team working on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

At Marks & Harrison, we place our clients’ interests above all else. Our lawyers will analyze your case and advise whether you are entitled to compensation. Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online.

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