Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Seattle, Washington
When you go to the doctor or hospital, you expect to receive care you can trust. But when a healthcare provider makes a serious mistake, it can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. You may be left with more questions than answers, unsure of where to turn or how to move forward.
At The Cochran Firm in Seattle, we’re here to help. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys represent individuals and families across Washington who have suffered due to medical negligence. We know how complex and painful these situations can be, and we take the time to listen, understand your story, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with a misdiagnosis, a surgical error, or any other medical mistake, we’re ready to stand up for you. We hold negligent providers accountable and help you seek the compensation and closure you need to move on with your life.
What is Considered Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets the accepted standard, resulting in injury or worsening of your condition. This can include a wide range of mistakes, from misdiagnoses and surgical errors to medication mix-ups or failures to properly monitor a patient.
In these cases, the healthcare provider did not act as a reasonably skilled and careful professional would have under similar circumstances. When this happens, it can lead to serious consequences, including prolonged illness, permanent injury, or even death.
The Four Things You Need to Prove Medical Malpractice in Washington
To successfully pursue a medical malpractice claim in Washington, several elements will need to be proven.
1. Duty of Care
This means your healthcare provider had a legal obligation to provide you with proper medical care. Whenever you trust a medical professional with your health, whether in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office, that duty exists.
2. Breach of Duty
You must show that the provider failed to deliver care that a reasonably competent professional would have given in the same situation. This could involve errors like misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, or failure to follow up on test results.
3. Causation
It’s not enough to prove a mistake happened. In medical malpractice cases, you need to connect that mistake directly to the harm you suffered. The error must be the cause of your injury or have significantly worsened your condition.
4. Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate real harm, such as physical injuries, additional medical treatments, lost wages, or emotional distress. Without damages, there is no basis for compensation.
Our Seattle medical malpractice attorneys have the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate and build your case.
What Kind of Medical Malpractice Cases Do We Handle?
Our attorneys have decades of experience pursuing claims against hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers throughout Washington state. Below are some of the most common types of malpractice we investigate:
Surgical Errors in Seattle
From operating on the wrong body part to leaving instruments behind, surgical mistakes can result in catastrophic harm. Our Seattle medical malpractice attorneys handle errors that violate surgical standards in procedures across the region’s hospitals.
Failure to Diagnose or Delayed Diagnosis in Seattle
A patient may miss important treatment windows when a doctor fails to identify a condition in time. At the Cochran Firm, we represent patients whose cancers, strokes, infections, or heart conditions were misdiagnosed or left untreated.
Birth Injury Lawsuits in Seattle
Obstetric negligence during labor and delivery can lead to lifelong challenges for newborns and families. Our firm handles birth injury cases across Washington, including cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, oxygen deprivation, and harm caused by improper use of forceps or failure to perform a timely C-section.
Medication and Prescription Errors in Seattle
A single medication mistake can be like a chain reaction to medical problems. Whether it’s the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or failure to check for dangerous interactions, we hold negligent physicians, pharmacists, and hospitals in Seattle accountable for life-altering drug errors.
Anesthesia Errors in Seattle
Our attorneys understand the complexities of anesthesiology and litigate cases involving both procedural and post-op errors in the state. Improper administration or monitoring of anesthesia can lead to many issues, such as brain damage, cardiac arrest, or even intraoperative awareness.
Understanding Washington’s Medical Malpractice Deadlines
One of the most important things to know about medical malpractice claims in Washington is that time is limited. The law sets strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, called statutes of limitations.
In most cases, you have three years from the date you were injured to file a claim. However, if you didn’t immediately realize you were harmed, the clock starts ticking from when you discovered, or should have discovered, the injury.
Missing these deadlines means losing your right to seek justice. That’s why it’s critical to contact a knowledgeable Seattle medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. At the Cochran Firm in Seattle, we act quickly to protect your claim and gather the evidence you need.
What Can You Expect from a Medical Malpractice Settlement in Washington?
Medical malpractice settlements vary widely. Some cases resolve for tens of thousands of dollars, while others involving severe injuries or lifelong disabilities reach into the millions. The amount depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care
- Lost income
- The emotional impact on your life
Our Seattle medical malpractice lawyers will carefully review every detail of your case and fight hard during negotiations or in court to ensure your financial and emotional needs are met.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Medical Malpractice Case?
Medical malpractice cases can be challenging and often require strong evidence and expert testimony. But with the right legal team by your side, you have a real chance of success.
Early action helps. The sooner you bring your case to a skilled attorney, the better we can preserve evidence and build a solid claim. We’re prepared to stand up to hospitals, insurance companies, and medical providers to get results for you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Seattle Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you believe you or a family member has suffered due to medical malpractice in Seattle, contact The Cochran Firm. Our team in Seattle offers free, no-obligation consultations to review your case and explain your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This way, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Our medical malpractice attorneys provide personalized attention and access to top medical experts. We communicate clearly throughout the process, making sure you understand each step. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, we are ready to fight aggressively to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-THE-FIRM or fill out our online form to get started.