Serving New Hampshire Since 1908
Medical Malpractice
Portsmouth Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Expert Legal Representation for Medical Negligence Claims in Portsmouth
When you seek medical care, you trust that healthcare professionals will provide the appropriate standard of care. Unfortunately, medical errors and negligence occur, leading to severe injuries or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, Upton & Hatfield, LLP is here to help. Our experienced Portsmouth medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, deviates from the accepted standard of care, causing injury or harm to a patient. Not every bad medical outcome is malpractice, but if negligence played a role in your injury, you may have a case.
Some common examples of medical malpractice include:
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Surgical errors
Medication errors
Anesthesia mistakes
Birth injuries
Hospital-acquired infections
Failure to obtain informed consent
Proving Medical Malpractice in New Hampshire
Proving a medical malpractice claim in New Hampshire requires demonstrating the following key elements:
Duty of Care: The healthcare provider had a legal obligation to provide competent medical care.
Breach of Duty: The provider failed to adhere to the accepted medical standard of care.
Causation: The provider’s negligence directly caused your injury.
Damages: You suffered harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss, due to the malpractice.
New Hampshire law requires plaintiffs to file an affidavit from a qualified medical expert supporting their claim. This expert must confirm that the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the standard of care and directly caused the patient’s injury.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we handle a wide range of medical malpractice cases, including:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition accurately or delays treatment, it can lead to severe complications, worsening a patient’s health.
Surgical Errors: Surgical mistakes such as operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or causing unintended damage can have devastating consequences.
Birth Injuries: Negligence during labor and delivery can lead to serious birth injuries, including cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage.
Medication Errors: Incorrect prescriptions, dosage errors, or adverse drug interactions can cause severe harm to patients.
Anesthesia Mistakes: Anesthesiologists must carefully administer anesthesia and monitor patients. Errors can lead to brain damage, heart problems, or even death.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Patients have the right to be informed of the risks associated with a medical procedure. If a doctor fails to provide this information, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
Who is Liable for Medical Malpractice?
Liability in medical malpractice cases depends on the circumstances of the case. Potentially liable parties include:
Doctors and Surgeons: Physicians who fail to meet the standard of care can be held responsible.
Hospitals and Clinics: Medical facilities may be liable for negligent hiring, poor sanitation, or inadequate staffing.
Nurses and Medical Staff: Nurses and other healthcare professionals can be held accountable for errors in administering treatment or medications.
Pharmaceutical Companies: If a drug manufacturer fails to disclose risks associated with a medication, they may be held liable.
Identifying the responsible party is a complex process, but our legal team has the knowledge and resources to investigate your claim thoroughly.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Upton & Hatfield, LLP is here to provide the dedicated and knowledgeable representation you need.
Contact our Portsmouth medical malpractice lawyers today at (603) 634-9560 for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
