DC Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A Washington, DC medical malpractice lawyer from Regan Zambri Long will not let negligent healthcare providers dismiss or deny your suffering. For over 30 years, we’ve battled hospitals, insurance companies, and their armies of lawyers, securing millions in verdicts and settlements for victims of medical negligence. While other law firms shy away from complex medical cases, we aggressively pursue justice for patients harmed by careless doctors, nurses, and healthcare facilities.

Our DC personal injury attorneys combine deep medical knowledge with fierce courtroom advocacy to expose every instance of malpractice. We work with top medical experts to build ironclad cases that force negligent providers to take responsibility for their mistakes. When hospitals try to cover up errors or pressure victims into quick settlements, we fight back with the full force of our experience and resources. If you or a loved one has been injured by medical negligence, contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation. We’ll show you exactly how we’ll hold these providers accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.

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Why Choose Our Washington, DC Medical Malpractice Attorney?

Every personal injury case is different. However, there are three qualities you should consider when choosing a DC medical malpractice attorney for your case — all three that Regan Zambri Long possesses:
  • Knowledge and Experience: When you hire Regan Zambri Long, our first course of action is to determine whether your injury was caused by a careless mistake or the medical professional’s intentional actions. Partner Jacqueline T. Colclough uses her extensive experience as a nursing and practicing medical malpractice attorney to determine who was responsible for your injury and what you should do next.
  • Resources: Often, a medical malpractice lawyer will rely on the opinion of medical experts who can determine if the healthcare provider was wrong. Regan Zambri Long has a long list of medical professionals who can provide insight into what happened and whether negligence caused your injury.
  • Credentials and Successes: Regan Zambri Long as a long, successful track record in medical malpractice claims in DC. Just recently, we achieved an $11 million settlement in a medical malpractice case against a health maintenance organization and hospital for failing to perform a pregnancy test on a patient before heart surgery. Because of their negligence, the patient suffered a stroke and is now severely disabled.

Regan Zambri Long has handled thousands of medical malpractice cases in the DC area. We’ve received some of Washington, DC’s most significant settlements and verdicts for medical malpractice victims. We are here for you and ready to discuss how we can support and assist you today. Contact Regan Zambri Long to schedule a free case evaluation.

How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

Medical malpractice occurs when the medical professional either negligently or fails to act, causing further injury or serious harm to the patient’s life. For your injury to be considered negligence, your DC medical malpractice attorney must show that another healthcare professional would not have acted in the same manner under the same circumstances. 

  • Investigate What Really Happened: Hospitals and doctors often cover up mistakes or destroy evidence. We immediately secure medical records, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to uncover the truth. Our team knows exactly what to look for in complex medical charts and can spot negligence that other lawyers might miss.
  • Prove Medical Negligence: It’s not enough to show you were harmed – we must prove the healthcare provider violated the standard of care and that violation directly caused your injuries. We work with top medical experts who can explain complex medical issues to a jury in terms they understand.
  • Calculate Your True Damages: Medical malpractice victims often don’t realize the full extent of their losses – future medical costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and impact on family. We work with economists and life care planners to ensure you get compensation for all your losses, not just current bills.
  • Fight Insurance Company Tactics: Hospital insurance companies have armies of lawyers whose job is to minimize your settlement or deny your claim entirely. We know their tactics and have the resources to fight back with expert witnesses, depositions, and aggressive litigation when necessary.
Washington, DC Medical Malpractice Claims

Who Can Be Held Liable For Medical Malpractice?

Anyone administering medical care to the injury victim could be liable for negligence. Even DC hospitals can be sued for medical malpractice.

The following are examples of healthcare professionals and entities that could be held responsible for your injuries:

  • Doctors (including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists)
  • Nurses
  • Lab Technicians
  • Pharmacists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Emergency Medical Care Attendants
  • ER Departments
  • Nursing Homes

Determining the specific parties responsible in a medical malpractice case can be complex. Consult with a DC medical injury attorney promptly to understand your legal options.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in Washington, DC

Negligence comes in several different forms — from a doctor missing a diagnosis, emergency room errors, and medical staff failing to treat a patient properly to nursing home abuse. The most common types of DC medical malpractice cases our law firm handles include:

  • Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: The most common type of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. This is when the doctor fails to diagnose a condition properly or delays the proper diagnosis, which can seriously impact the patient’s treatment options and survival rate and lead to wrongful death.
  • Surgical Errors: A surgical error is known as a “preventable mistake” because often, what happens is not a known or expected risk but is the result of the surgeon’s negligence. Some examples of surgical errors include physicians leaving tools or sponges inside the body during surgery, ineffective sterilization during surgery, or anesthesia errors that endanger the patient’s life and cause nerve damage or brain damage.
  • Failure to Treat or Diagnose: Harm occurs when doctors diagnose the problem quickly but fail to treat or prescribe the correct medication. Failure to treat a patient properly could result in discharge too soon, lack of follow-up care, or failure to prevent or treat infection or a disease such as cancer.
  • Medication Errors: Medication errors can include prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage of prescription drugs, a healthcare professional administering the wrong medication to a patient, and failing to warn patients about the risks associated with the medication.
  • Birth Injuries: Birth injuries in DC can be devastating to a family. Obstetrical malpractice makes up a large portion of medical malpractice cases in Washington, DC, and around the country. Injuries to an infant can occur at any point during pregnancy and delivery, like cerebral palsy.
  • Nursing Home Abuse: Nursing home abuse is a serious issue affecting vulnerable elderly residents across the DC region. Neglect in these facilities can take various forms, including physical assault, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect of basic needs, or sexual abuse. Many cases go unreported due to victims’ cognitive impairments, fear of retaliation, or inability to communicate effectively.

Contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation on your medical malpractice case.

What To Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice in DC

If you believe you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice in Washington, DC, taking immediate and strategic action is crucial for protecting your rights and building a strong case. Your first step will be proving medical malpractice had occurred in your case. You can show this with the following evidence:

Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including dates of visits, names of healthcare providers, medications prescribed, and any communication with medical staff. Take photos of visible injuries or symptoms, and maintain a daily journal documenting your pain levels and how the injury affects your daily life.

Request Your Medical Records: You have a legal right to obtain copies of your complete medical records. Submit a written request to all healthcare facilities involved in your care. These records are important evidence in proving medical negligence and establishing the timeline of events.

Seek a Second Medical Opinion: Consult with another healthcare provider to evaluate your condition and document any deviations from the standard of care. This second opinion can serve as valuable evidence in your case and, more importantly, ensure you receive proper medical treatment.

Avoid Direct Communication With Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may contact you seeking statements about your case. Decline to provide detailed information or sign any documents until you consult a medical malpractice attorney. Any statements you make could potentially impact your claim.

Preserve Evidence:  Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, correspondence with healthcare providers, and any other documentation related to your injury. Record missed workdays and any expenses incurred due to the medical error.

Don’t navigate the complex world of medical malpractice claims alone. The experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have secured millions in compensation for medical malpractice victims throughout Washington, DC. Our team includes legal professionals with extensive medical knowledge who can evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free, confidential consultation.

Jacqueline Colclough, a Washington, DC medical malpractice attorney at Regan Zambri Long PLLC, stands confidently in a professional outdoor setting. She is dressed in a white blazer and navy dress with pearl jewelry, conveying authority and trust. As a leading advocate for patients affected by medical negligence, Ms. Colclough brings years of legal experience to complex healthcare-related claims.

The Legal Process for a DC Medical Malpractice Claim

In Washington, DC, if you’re considering filing a lawsuit, you’ll need to start by notifying the medical provider you believe was negligent at least 90 days before you officially file your lawsuit. This notice is a precursor to the mediation that the District requires both parties to attend. This non-binding mediation occurs early on, before the lawsuit’s discovery phase. According to DC law, all named parties are required to participate in mediation in these cases. The law has strict timetables for when mediation must occur.

Once you formally start your lawsuit by filing a complaint, the process involves several steps and can take anywhere from a year to three years. The discovery phase allows both sides to thoroughly examine each other’s claims and defenses, including exchanging documents, sending interrogatories, and depositing.

In Washington, DC, if you’re considering filing a lawsuit, you’ll need to start by notifying the medical provider you believe was negligent at least 90 days before you officially file your lawsuit. This notice is a precursor to the mediation that the District requires both parties to attend. This non-binding mediation occurs early on, before the lawsuit’s discovery phase. According to DC law, all named parties are required to participate in mediation in these cases. The law has strict timetables for when mediation must occur.

Most cases are resolved through negotiating settlements, which tend to provide quicker and often favorable patient outcomes. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Trials can extend the timeline further due to court schedules and potential delays.

It’s also essential to consider DC’s contributory negligence rule, which could affect your case if you’re found even 1 percent at fault for your injury. This rule could prevent you from recovering any damages, so if you think you might share some responsibility for your injury, consult an experienced Washington, DC personal injury lawyer at Regan Zambri Long to understand all your legal options.

The burden of proof, which is the responsibility to prove the claim you made, falls on the victim. Your DC medical malpractice lawyer from Regan Zambri Long will work to determine who is at fault and how to prove it. There are four elements needed to prove medical negligence:

  • Duty of Care: Show that the doctor provided medical treatment or diagnosis and was obligated to care for you.
  • Breach of Standard of Care: Unlike the duty of care, breach of care demonstrates that the medical professionals had the necessary skills and knowledge to meet your needs but failed to provide the expected standard of care.
  • Causation: Prove that the healthcare provider’s negligence or reckless behavior directly caused your injury. Causation is the most challenging element to prove, and it involves a thorough review of all medical records and consultations with medical experts to determine if the breach led to your injury.
  • Damages: Finally, it must be shown that the injury resulted in quantifiable damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.

If you suspect you’ve suffered due to medical malpractice, consider scheduling a free consultation with a Regan Zambri Long injury attorney to discuss your case and explore your options.

Contact Our DC Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Types of Damages in
a DC Medical Negligence Lawsuit

While there is no set amount for malpractice damages, your Washington, DC medical malpractice lawyer will work hard to secure several damages categorized as compensatory and punitive.

Compensatory damages cover the losses related to the malpractice, such as:

  • Medical expenses (both past and future) include hospital stays, treatment, surgery, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and prescriptions.
  • Lost wages or income the victim missed due to injury caused by the medical error and earning potential that will be missed due to ongoing or permanent injuries or illness
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium, which refers to the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are awarded in cases of egregious negligence or when the defendant’s actions are deemed especially harmful or malicious.

Washington, DC Medical Malpractice Lawyer FAQ

Can I File a Medical Malpractice Claim for My Child?

Yes, it is possible for a parent to file a medical malpractice claim for their child in DC. Unfortunately, pediatric medical malpractice does happen. The courts recognize that a child under 18 cannot legally sign court documents or hire an attorney. However, a parent or guardian can file a lawsuit on their behalf. If the parent or guardian doesn’t file a lawsuit, your child could have the opportunity to file their own once they reach the age of 18.

What is the Average Settlement for a Medical Malpractice Claim in DC?

Medical malpractice settlements in Washington, DC, vary significantly based on factors like injury severity, long-term impact, and strength of evidence. While our firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements, including a $15 million case involving a heart patient, there’s no “typical” settlement amount. Each case is unique, involving different types of medical negligence – from surgical errors to misdiagnosis. The compensation amount depends on specific damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced DC medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case’s potential value during a free consultation.

How Long Does a DC Medical Malpractice Claim Take?

Medical malpractice claims in Washington, DC require careful timing and strategic planning. The process begins with a mandatory 90-day notice to the healthcare provider before filing suit, followed by needed mediation. While some cases settle within a year through successful negotiations, complex medical negligence cases typically take between one to three years to resolve. The timeline depends on factors like case complexity, evidence gathering, expert witness testimony requirements, and whether the case goes to trial. Working with an experienced DC medical malpractice lawyer ensures efficient case management while pursuing maximum compensation.

How Much Does a Washington, DC Medical Malpractice Attorney Cost?

Regan Zambri Long works on a contingency fee basis. You only pay legal fees if your lawyer successfully wins your case through a settlement or a verdict in your favor.

In addition, our medical malpractice law firm offers free consultations to answer any questions you may have about your case.

Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Are Here to Help

At Regan Zambri Long, our medical malpractice law firm in Washington, DC, we have investigated and litigated hundreds of medical malpractice cases in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. We have obtained significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing them with the financial resources to restore their lives.

Fill out the form to schedule a free medical malpractice case consultation today. We look forward to hearing how we can help you or a loved one with your case.

Contact the Washington, DC medical malpractice lawyers at Regan Zambri Long to schedule a free consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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