Your baby has endured an injury during birth, such as a lack of oxygen during the birth process. A parent’s reaction can be emotional and confusing. The well-being of your baby may be your immediate concern. The future of your child may be your next question. How will you provide for the long-term repercussions of the birth injury? You may be reluctant to consider a medical malpractice lawsuit against your doctor.
Your struggle to protect your baby and your family is profound. The following information may help you to understand medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice in the U.S.
Medical malpractice lawsuits hold health practitioners accountable for errors during a medical procedure. Medical malpractice law in the United States is a part of civil law, i.e., the court may hear the case and award financial compensation to the injured person. To calculate monetary damages, the court considers lost income, cost of future medical care, and pain and suffering.
Medical malpractice in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law addresses two main issues:
- Statute of limitations
The statute of limitations—the period for filing a lawsuit—starts on the date of the medical error. Rhode Island gives a plaintiff three years to file the case in the state’s civil court system.
- No monetary limitations
Unlike many states, Rhode Island law does not limit damages for medical malpractice.
Having the facts about a medical malpractice lawsuit may provide solace for your family. An opportunity to receive compensation can enable you to handle the consequences of a birth injury and future complications.