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Experienced Las Vegas Medical Malpractice Lawyers Near You
The effects of botched medical treatments can be catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and damage. Our Nevada attorneys understand this, which is why we apply every bit of our 20 years of legal experience to every medical malpractice case to ensure you obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.
Hold the negligent health care provider or licensed physician accountable for their negligent actions today by setting up a free consultation with an attorney from our law firm by calling (702) 566-3600.
About Founding Attorney Rodney Okano
Attorney Rodney Okano is a skilled Nevada personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people injured in accidents obtain the financial settlement they're entitled to.
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See why clients choose us to represent them in their legal matters.
Very professional, and on top of things! Jackie is amazing! Her and Rodney really work well together and both made sure all of my questions were always answered and in a timely manner. Thank you Both!
I can't express my gratitude toward Jackie and Mr. Okano not only were they professional kind and courteous they made home visits with me when I wasn't able to travel. I will recommend them to anyone looking for a honest attorney... Thank you you all for the work you've done for me .
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a health professional's actions or omissions are negligent, intentional, or fail to meet expected medical standards, potentially resulting in injury or death to a patient.
Medical malpractice includes a wide range of medical errors, from misdiagnosis to surgical mistakes.
Understanding the basics of medical malpractice law can help patients recognize when their medical care may have been negligent.
Common Scenarios of Medical Malpractice in Nevada
Medical malpractice often shows up in everyday situations where a healthcare provider's care falls short of accepted standards or is negligent.
Common examples include failing to order necessary tests, misdiagnosing a condition, releasing a patient too early, or prescribing the wrong medication. Each of these errors can lead to serious harm, medical bills, lost wages, and future medical expenses, and give rise to a legal claim.
You should immediately seek additional medical care from another healthcare professional and speak with an experienced attorney if your doctor committed one of the following while caring for you:
- Failure to order essential diagnostic tests
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a serious illness
- Premature discharge before symptoms have resolved
- An incorrect prescription or dosage that causes adverse reactions
How to Identify Negligence in Las Vegas Hospitals
By recognizing signs of medical negligence early, patients and their families can take informed steps to protect their health and seek legal representation from a Las Vegas medical malpractice lawyer before the statute of limitations expires or evidence is lost.
Understanding the subtle signs of half-fasted medical work or other actions that point to negligence helps build a stronger case when a medical malpractice lawsuit becomes necessary under medical malpractice law.
Common Signs of Medical Malpractice by Doctors or Hospitals
When a patient notices a medical procedure takes longer than expected or a prescribed medication is wrong, it can signal a lapse in care, indicating possible surgical errors or medication errors that could point to medical negligence.
Also, delays in ordering tests, missing vital signs, or failing to document changes in a chart are red flags that a hospital may not be meeting its duty of care owed to you as a patient, reflecting poor performance by healthcare providers and medical professionals and potentially warranting a medical malpractice claim.
Other signs of medical malpractice can include:
- Post-surgical infections
- Medical equipment that malfunctions during a procedure
- Lack of timely follow-up appointments
- Ignoring patient complaints
- Failing to share test results
Patients and families who identify these early signs of medical negligence should immediately switch care providers and begin exploring their legal options within the legal system.
The best place to start is by scheduling a free consultation with a Las Vegas medical malpractice attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm by calling (702) 566-3600.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims in Nevada
Under NRS 41A.097, patients must file a claim within 2 years from the date of discovery or within 3 years from the date of the act, whichever occurs first.
Attempting to file outside of the Nevada statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits can lead to you being barred from seeking financial compensation, so it's crucial to set up a free consultation with an experienced team of medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.
Calculating Your Medical Malpractice Case's Filing Deadline
When you consider filing a medical malpractice claim, the first step is to pinpoint the exact date the injury occurred. This date anchors the clock for the statute of limitations and will be used to help prove medical negligence.
If the injuries you sustained from the medical negligence are discovered later, the clock may reset to the date of discovery, but the statute of limitations period remains fixed.
To avoid missing the deadline for your medical malpractice lawsuit, follow these steps:
- Identify the injury date.
- Determine the discovery date.
- Apply the statutory period (usually two years from discovery) to prove medical malpractice occurred and assess economic damages.
- Subtract the period from the relevant date to find the filing deadline.
Steps to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Las Vegas
If you believe you were a victim of medical negligence, the first step you should take is consulting with a medical malpractice lawyer early, as this protects your legal rights and gets your claim going.
Additionally, steps to take are outlined below.
Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence is key to proving your claim to the insurance company in court. Start by securing medical records, test results, and billing statements that document the care received.
These documents establish the standard of care and any deviations that could help prove medical malpractice. Additionally, witness statements from nurses, doctors, or family members can help confirm the timeline and conditions that led to the injury.
Talk with Medical Experts
If you don't already have a team of experienced attorneys doing this for you, engage a medical expert to review the medical malpractice case and draft an affidavit of merit explaining how the standard of care was breached and identifying the responsible parties. T
This testimony helps prove negligence and damages for medical malpractice victims, like yourself.
Potential Damages You Can Seek in a Medical Malpractice Case
When medical professionals commit negligence or fail to meet the expected standard of care, patients may seek compensation for the harm suffered through a medical malpractice case.
These financial damages can cover both tangible losses and the intangible pain and suffering endured by the victim.
Economic and Non-Economic Compensation
Economic compensation covers measurable losses such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future care costs
Non-economic compensation addresses intangible losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Both categories of damages must be documented and backed by substantial evidence in order to secure a fair settlement.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Medical Errors?
When medical errors occur, determining accountability can be a complex process. Various parties may share responsibility, from individual clinicians to the institutions that employ them.
Understanding the roles each party may have had in a medical malpractice case helps patients and families navigate liability.
Doctors, Nurses, Hospitals, and Ancillary Staff
Doctors and nurses are frontline healthcare professionals whose actions or omissions have a direct impact on patient outcomes. When they deviate from accepted standards of care, they can be held liable for the resulting harm, as is common in medical malpractice cases.
Another potential at-fault party is the leading staff, as they are responsible for creating the environment and protocols that guide the best treatment. Systemic failures, such as inadequate staffing or faulty equipment, potentially constitute medical malpractice, which could place responsibility on medical facilities and their leading staff, including the CEO, CTO, or managers.
Ancillary staff, technicians, aides, and support personnel must also meet training and supervision standards because their errors can contribute to causing costly medical errors.
How a Las Vegas Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help You
A Las Vegas medical malpractice lawyer, especially an experienced medical malpractice lawyer with years of experience, such as those at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, can serve as a crucial legal advocate for patients who have suffered damages from negligent care.
They guide clients through the complex legal landscape of medical malpractice laws and medical malpractice cases by assessing the viability of claims and working to secure fair compensation for injuries and losses.
Attorneys will often combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of local healthcare standards, medical practices, and the patient-doctor relationship to ensure their client gets the settlement they deserve.
How Legal Representation Can Improve the Outcome of Your Case
A skilled medical malpractice attorney who brings specialized knowledge of medical malpractice law and wrongful death claims can easily double your final settlement.
By coordinating with expert witnesses, negotiating settlements with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking your case to court, attorneys will maximize the financial recovery for their client by any means.
Key ways an attorney can assist in your case are by:
- Providing expert witness testimony
- Handling settlement negotiations
- Fighting for you in the courtroom
Get a free initial consultation set up with a top injury attorney in Nevada by calling (702) 566-3600.
How to Prepare for a Consultation with a Lawyer
Before meeting with a lawyer in a Las Vegas office, gather all relevant documents for your medical malpractice case and prepare notes outlining your main concerns, as it can help you get the most information out of the consultation.
Additionally, having a clear timeline of events over the years and any medical records you have documenting injuries such as spinal cord damage, birth defects, mobility issues, and other injuries caused by the medical negligence will allow the attorney to assess your case quickly.
Essential Documents to Bring and Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Before meeting your lawyer, gather key documents surrounding your case, including medical records, bills, insurance statements, and any communications with the potentially negligent doctor. Having these items organized helps the attorney assess the facts under medical malpractice law.
Also, prepare a list of questions to clarify the lawyer's strategy and your responsibilities. For example:
- What evidence is required?
- How long will it take?
- What are the costs?
- Can you give references?
- What's the settlement chance, and how much might I receive?
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Vegas Medical Malpractice Cases
When Should I Sue for Medical Malpractice?
The second you suspect medical malpractice has been committed, you should begin preparing for legal action.
How Much Do Medical Malpractice Injury Lawyers Cost in Las Vegas?
Most medical malpractice attorneys in Nevada work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they charge no fee unless they win your case.
This system allows you to seek legal representation without any start-up costs.
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