While reading the paper today, I came across a story about a serious injury in an Ingham County Car-Truck Accident in Vevay Township. According to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department, a man was allegedly seriously injured at the intersection of Kipp and College Roads when his car was struck by a pick-up truck. The man had to be taken to a local hospital with a head injury. Police continue to investigate this accident.

We recently settled an Ingham County lawsuit for clients who were injured in a Lansing area car accident.  The accident victims were a husband and wife who suffered shoulder injuries when their car was struck by an uninsured driver.  The uninsured driver was negligent and caused the accident.

Our clients had their auto insurance policy through Auto Owners Insurance Company.  Their policy provided for Michigan No-Fault Insurance Benefits and Uninsured Motorists Benefits.  The insurance company underpaid some benefits and neglected to pay required medical expenses.  Through the settlement, they agreed to pay the medical providers their fees and charges related to the injuries suffered in the car accident.

Because the negligent driver was not insured, we made a claim for Uninsured Motorists Benefits for the accident victims against their own policy.  These claims were for their personal injuries suffered in the accident.  The insurance company paid a settlement for these benefits as well.

This case demonstrates the importance of drivers in Michigan purchasing uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy.  Because there is a significant number of uninsured drivers in Michigan, it is necessary to have this coverage to protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Our Lansing medical malpractice lawyers handle medical negligence cases against doctors, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes in the Lansing area and throughout Ingham County.  According to the American Medical Association, every year in the United States more than 80,000 people die because of medical malpractice.   Many of these deaths give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit and a wrongful death lawsuit.

 What is medical malpractice?

 Basically, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional or health care institution is negligent and causes harm or damage to their patient.  This includes doctors, nurses, clinics and hospitals.

 Medical negligence can arise from something that was done (a negligent act) or something that was not done (an omission).  For example, if a surgeon cuts the wrong artery during a surgery, this might be considered a negligent act.  Likewise, if a doctor fails to order necessary x-rays or lab testing, this is also negligence but is considered to be an omission.

 What are the different types of medical malpractice?

 There are many types of medical malpractice for both negligent acts and or omissions.  The most common types are:

•  Birth injuries
• Surgical errors
• Operating room mistakes
• Anesthesia mistakes
• Radiology errors & misread x-rays
• Nursing negligence
• Patient Falls
• Medication mistakes
• Hospital infections
• Misdiagnosis

 What are the rights of victims of medical malpractice?

 Medical malpractice laws are designed to protect patients’ rights to seek compensation if they are injured as a result of medical malpractice. Under Michigan law, you can seek compensation for any injury caused by medical malpractice.  However, these cases generally take a lot of time and money to litigate and try, so it is usually unrealistic to seek damages, or sue for any injury or damage that is minor or heals quickly.  Medical malpractice that causes death to the patient gives rise to a Michigan Wrongful Death Lawsuit.

How much time to I have to file a Michigan medical malpractice case?

 Generally in Michigan, you have 2 years to make a medical malpractice claim from the time the negligent act or omission; but there are many variables with this particular Statute of Limitations.  It is essential to contact a lawyer immediately so that you do not miss any important deadlines that can destroy your case.

 When should I contact a medical malpractice lawyer?

 If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, it is important to consult with an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer who can help you determine if you have a claim that under Michigan law.  The sooner you contact the lawyer, the better so that an investigation can be started immediately and to protect your claims under the Statute of Limitations.

 For more information, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook” and call us at (800) 606-1717.