Emergency medical technicians, or paramedics, are relied on every day to help save lives. Many people would not make it through a critical health emergency without their help. However, what happens when these lifesavers make mistakes? When is it time to hold them liable for negligence and sue the paramedics or their company?
This article will answer those questions and more. Keep reading to learn more about paramedic negligence and how to get justice for any injuries you may have suffered.
What Is Paramedic Negligence?
When someone is injured due to negligent actions by a paramedic, it is called paramedic negligence. This lawsuit can be filed against the ambulance company, the paramedics, or both.
Several things must be proven to win a case of this negligence. The plaintiff should show that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that they breached, and that resulted in damages.
It can be daunting to win a case against paramedics or an ambulance company, as they are often exempt from liability. However, there have been cases where plaintiffs have successfully obtained damages. If you believe you have a case for paramedic negligence, it is crucial to take help from paramedic malpractice lawyers.
Types Of Paramedic Negligence
Around 250,000 deaths annually happen because of medical errors. There are a few different ways that paramedics can be negligent. More common types of negligence eligible for litigation include:
- Failure to properly assess a patient's condition
- Failing to provide proper treatment for a patient's condition
- Delaying treatment for a patient
- Improperly administering medication or oxygen to a patient
- Failing to transport a patient to the hospital properly
If someone you love has been hurt by paramedic negligence, it is essential to seek legal help as soon as possible to file a lawsuit.
An experienced attorney could help you understand your rights and options and will fight for the compensation you deserve by leveraging lawsuits.
Benefits Of Hiring An Expert Attorney For Negligence
1. Expertise In The Area
One of the main reasons paramedics can get away with not being held liable for their negligence is the lack of public knowledge about what they should be doing. Paramedics have great expertise in emergency medical care, so the general public often trusts them implicitly. However, this trust can sometimes be misplaced.
A lawyer can determine whether or not the paramedic in your case acted with the high level of care and skill expected of someone in their position. If it can be shown that the paramedic deviated from accepted standards of care, you may have a negligence case.
2. Ability To Navigate Court Proceedings
Court proceedings involve paperwork and can confuse someone unfamiliar with the process. If you have been injured due to paramedic negligence, it is essential to have an attorney who is experienced in this area and can guide you through the process.
3. Strong Negotiation Skills
A professional personal injury lawyer will have excellent negotiation skills. They will be able to properly assess the worth of your case and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will not hesitate to take them to court.
Insurance firms often take advantage of those who a lawyer does not represent. They will try to get you to settle for much less than what your case is worth. Do not let this happen. Hire an injury lawyer to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
4. Experience With The Jury Trials
Jury trials are not something that every lawyer has. Most lawyers will go their entire career without ever stepping foot in a courtroom, let alone having a jury trial. When it comes to negligence cases, you want a law firm with experience with them.
A trial may involve the following:
- Picking a jury
- Opening statements from both sides
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination of witnesses
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
If you have been the victim of paramedic negligence, you need an experienced law assistant on your side to get the justice you deserve.
5. Rapport With Medical Experts
Medical experts are a vital part of any medical negligence case. Without their help, it becomes challenging to prove that the paramedic's actions (or lack thereof) fell below the standard of care.
Justice Will Be Served
Paramedic negligence can have devastating effects. If your loved one or you has been the victim of negligence, it is vital to seek experienced legal assistance as soon as possible. The attorneys have the knowledge and resources to hold negligent paramedics accountable and help you get the proper compensation.
