Personal injury law is a broad topic and can help victims in several ways. We tend to think of personal injury concerning accidents, such as workplace incidents, car accidents, and slip-and-fall injuries. However, it also covers situations where people are injured or suffer due to medical circumstances.
Medical personal injury cases can occur when claimants develop medical complications due to the negligence of others. This could be a medical malpractice suit or something more specialized, such as a Mesothelioma case. There is also the chance to claim for those facing systematic abuse in medical care, such as nursing home abuse. In each case, it is possible to hire top Buffalo personal injury lawyers and sue for compensation. Let’s take a closer look at these different situations and see if you might have a case.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases are some of the more well-known examples due to the range of cases, some highly-publicized lawsuits, and the likelihood of knowing someone in this situation. Medical malpractice cases often relate to mistakes or negligence in care and their impact on a patient. For example, hospitals that give the wrong treatment or drugs to a patient may be liable if there are complications. Those complications could include a worsening of a condition, the development of new symptoms, or additional emotional trauma for the whole family.
Other malpractice suits can refer to pain and suffering caused by misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Examples include missing signs of cancer or dismissing symptoms due to gender bias. Then, there are the suits related to surgical malpractice, where mistakes and negligence on the table cause serious consequences.
These surgical cases can also include cases of wrongful death. These cases are filed by the living relatives of patients who died as a result of surgical errors, birth trauma, incorrect treatments, or general neglect. These loved ones can claim compensation for their pain and suffering during the ordeal and financial costs for medical bills and funeral expenses.
Mesothelioma Cases
Mesothelioma cases are much more specific because they refer to one condition. There are three key reasons why some personal injury law firms specialize in these cases. First of all, this is a devasting disease that can kill sufferers and leave families in ruins. Second, the disease results from workplace conditions and poor standards, placing the blame on employers. Third, cases have increased as workers are diagnosed in later life.
Mesothelioma is a condition that arises following close contact with asbestos. Anyone who worked in the removal of asbestos in the past, or came into contact with it during construction or industrial projects, could be at risk. The tiny fibers are inhaled and slowly affect the lungs. Today, workers who deal with asbestos removal know to wear safety gear to stop this happening. Yet, things weren’t the same 50 years ago. The industrial history of Buffalo and the surrounding area means that these cases are on the rise.
That’s where the current problem lies. The disease takes time to develop into cancer, with a latency period of anything from 40-70 years and can be terminal. What makes the situation even more heartbreaking is that even the offspring of workers are at risk in later life due to second-hand exposure. Top personal injury lawyers from Buffalo who understand these cases and their impact can help.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is another area where cases are increasing. You might not have seen top Buffalo personal injury lawyers talking about this as much as a decade ago. However, we have a population that’s living longer, a lot of elderly citizens in the area, and a care system under strain. The pressures and lack of funding and training can result in some serious elder abuse.
Nursing home abuse can take various forms. The most obvious cases are those with significant physical abuse. This could come from poor care standards at facilities, which leave residents with poor hygiene, malnutrition, and other health issues. Some cases will come down to accidental negligence, as seniors fall through the cracks of an overcrowded and underfunded facility. However, there are also cases of deliberate physical abuse. These may also be present through physical violence. Family members should question any unexplained cuts and bruising.
Then, there are the cases of emotional abuse. This can range from cases of verbal abuse and belittling to more serious psychological trauma. Some nursing home staff will resort to intimidation, name-calling, and general bullying to come across as superior. This can lead to residents being treated more like children. In other cases, staff may deliberately isolate residents, restrict visitor access, or take away leisure activities. They may create a false narrative so the resident believes they are an unwanted burden or incapable of doing anything for themselves.
Finding The Best Buffalo Lawyers For Your Case
Medical cases are complex and require the very best legal teams. You need someone with the experience and knowledge to present a case and get as much compensation as possible. Look out for firms with a high success rate in accident and personal injury law and who specialize in the areas mentioned. For example, if you have a loved one dealing with lung cancer following a career working with asbestos, you need someone with a brilliant track record in this area. You also need someone with the personal touch and compassion to appreciate the severity of each case. The best personal injury lawyers know that every situation is different and that the emotional toll is even more harrowing than the financial one.
Medical personal injury cases are some of the worst that anyone can go through. That’s why it’s so important that those affected seek justice. You can help support your own family through hardship – whether that’s a spouse with Mesothelioma, a parent in a nursing home, or a child dealing with medical malpractice. You can also help publicize issues, raise awareness, and make it harder for culprits to get away with malpractice and abuse again.
