When Medical Care Becomes Medical Malpractice
Recent studies have shown that about 20% of Iowans believe they have suffered ill effects from mistakes made by doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals. While they had expected caregivers to watch out for their well-being, they were instead harmed by the negligence or mistakes of medical providers.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may now face more medical bills, lost wages and diminished quality of life because of medical negligence. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in medical care situations, our Iowa medical malpractice attorneys at Galligan Law in Des Moines are ready to investigate what happened and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Do you suspect medical malpractice?
Our legal team can determine if you have grounds for legal action against an Iowa physician or hospital. There is no up-front cost to talk to our lawyers. Make an appointment today at 515-316-6179.
Our Iowa Medical Malpractice Attorneys Fight For Justice For Injured Patients
At Galligan Law, we are devoted to making a difference for our clients while making Iowa a safer place for patients.
We aim to fight back on behalf of our clients after they or their loved ones have been seriously harmed through medical errors, such as:
- Birth injuries occurring through negligence
- Failure to diagnose cancer at a treatable stage
- Missed or delayed diagnosis of heart attacks, strokes, meningitis and other serious diseases, illnesses or injuries
- Diagnostic laboratory errors
- Failure to treat dangerous conditions in a timely manner
- Surgical errors, such as wrong-site surgery, injury to internal organs, foreign objects left in patients’ bodies, and other mistakes by surgeons and their assistants
- Hospital staff errors
- Emergency room (ER) errors
- Medication errors such as the wrong drug or overdose
- Communication errors
We are skilled at identifying medical negligence and showing what the provider could and should have done differently to meet the standard of care.
Standards Of Care In Rural Hospitals
Rural hospitals often struggle with staffing, but the standard of care is the same statewide. Galligan Law stands beside people injured in both rural and urban hospitals. We take cases statewide.
In medical malpractice cases originating in rural hospitals, as in all our medical malpractice cases, we begin by examining medical records, interviewing eyewitnesses when appropriate and getting expert opinions to confirm that negligence occurs. We do not rest until we have done all that we can to review a potential medical malpractice case thoroughly with an eye on the potential for justice.
- Learn more about medical malpractice laws in Iowa.
Up-To-Date And Professionally Active Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Each year, Galligan Law‘s medical malpractice lawyers spend a substantial amount of time attending continuing education programs around the nation that are focused on topics of medicine as well as the investigation, prosecution and trial of medical malpractice cases.
Attorney Brian Galligan’s professional memberships include the Birth Trauma Litigation Group, Medical Negligence Information Exchange Group and Professional Negligence Section of the American Association for Justice. He has spoken numerous times at education programs in Iowa and across the nation on topics relating to medical malpractice and trial techniques.
Mr. Galligan is also a member of the Iowa Association for Justice Legislative Committee and has made numerous trips to the Iowa state Capitol to lobby and fight for the rights of patients and their families who have suffered injuries and losses through medical malpractice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice Cases
We understand how overwhelming the legal process can be, especially when recovering from an injury. We are here to answer your questions and provide the support you need to move forward. Please see some answers to frequently asked questions about medical malpractice cases in Iowa.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Your medical providers and facilities owe you a standard of care. When that duty of care is breached and leaves you with new or worsened injuries, you may have a medical malpractice claim. However, not every medical complication results from medical malpractice, and not every mistake causes an injury. Medical malpractice cases often arise when the medical professional acts negligently or recklessly, such as making mistakes in surgery or missing a diagnosis.
How Common Is Medical Malpractice In Iowa?
In Iowa and throughout the country, medical malpractice is alarmingly common. A 2017 Heartland Health Research Institute poll discovered that one in five Iowans experienced medical mistakes. While some mistakes are harmless, 60% of those individuals suffered new or worsened injuries or illnesses due to the error.
What Are The Most Frequent Types Of Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice can occur through negligent or reckless treatment, including:
- Birth injuries, including cerebral palsy
- Delayed diagnosis of cancer
- Failure to diagnose acute medical conditions
- Misdiagnosis and wrong treatment
- Surgery and anesthesia errors
- Errors in emergency room (ER) treatment
- Medical lab errors
- Prescription errors and mistakes administering medicine
Medical malpractice can also include failure to properly treat an illness or injury or failure to obtain informed consent.
Which Parties Can You Sue For Medical Malpractice?
In medical malpractice cases, doctors are the most obvious defendants. However, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may also file an action against the hospital, nurses, medical staff, clinics, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
How Long Do You Have To File A Medical Malpractice Case?
In Iowa, the statute of limitations to file a medical malpractice case is two years. Medical malpractice cases take a lot of preparatory work, so it is vital that you contact our experienced medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible to get started.
Are There Caps On Damage Awards In Medical Malpractice Cases?
In Iowa, the amount of damages you can recover in medical malpractice cases is capped. The cap is $2 million for noneconomic damages awarded by juries in actions against hospitals. If your case involves an independent clinic, the cap is $1 million. The restrictions apply to noneconomic damages such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and loss of chance.
Can You Sue The University Of Iowa Hospitals And Clinics?
The state runs the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, meaning the Iowa Tort Claims Act applies to medical malpractice cases. The Tort Claims Act begins with an administrative process. However, if the process does not result in a settlement, you can file a lawsuit.
What If You Aren’t Sure Whether Medical Malpractice Occurred?
Medical malpractice cases can be complicated, and you may be unsure whether or not malpractice occurred. For your peace of mind, you should still meet with an attorney to discuss your case. To learn more, see our page on How We Review Cases.
Turn To A Trusted Advocate For The Injured
With a strong track record and a well-deserved reputation for quality legal advocacy for those injured in medical contexts, medical malpractice attorney Brian P. Galligan is an invaluable advocate for anyone in need of legal representation.
We are interested in learning about your potential medical malpractice case and explaining how we can help you determine whether you have a valid claim. To schedule a consultation, call 515-316-6179 or complete our simple inquiry form online.
