Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. The standard of care is defined as the type and level of care that a reasonable, prudent healthcare professional with similar training would provide under similar circumstances.

For a valid medical malpractice claim, there must be:

• An error that falls below the accepted medical standard of care
• Direct harm to a patient as a result of that error

Our attorneys work diligently to establish these elements through careful investigation, detailed medical record review, and expert testimony.

Surgical Errors

Surgeries involve inherent risks, but preventable mistakes should never be overlooked. We represent clients affected by:

• Surgical instruments left inside the body
• Operations performed on the wrong body part
• Laparoscopic surgery errors
• Gastric bypass complications
• Implantation of defective medical devices
• Inadequate surgical training or staffing
• Failure to manage surgical complications

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can have catastrophic consequences, including brain damage, permanent injury, or death. We help victims of issues such as:

• Over-sedation or under-sedation
• Airway obstruction
• Improper intubation
• Failure to monitor vital signs
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia drugs
• Incorrect patient positioning leading to nerve damage
• Lack of informed consent

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can result in lifelong disabilities that require ongoing care. We represent families affected by preventable birth injuries, including:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Erb’s Palsy (brachial plexus injuries)
• Oxygen deprivation
• Fractures during delivery
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial paralysis

Cerebral Palsy Cases

Often resulting from preventable birth trauma or negligence, cerebral palsy cases involve issues such as:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress
• Delayed emergency C-section
• Improper use of delivery tools (forceps or vacuum)
• Inadequate treatment of maternal infections
• Mismanagement during labor and delivery

Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus) Cases

Erb’s palsy, caused by pressure on a baby’s shoulder during delivery, can lead to permanent arm weakness or paralysis. We investigate cases involving:

• Shoulder dystocia complications
• Improper delivery techniques
• Failure to anticipate or manage difficult deliveries
• Inadequate response to delivery complications

Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can rob patients of critical treatment time. We handle cases involving:

• Cancer misdiagnosis
• Heart condition misdiagnosis
• Stroke misdiagnosis
• Failure to order necessary tests
• Misinterpreted test results
• Lack of timely referrals to specialists
• Insufficient follow-up care

Medication Errors

Medication errors are among the most common forms of medical malpractice. Our team pursues cases involving:

• Incorrect medication prescriptions
• Wrong dosage administration
• Harmful drug interactions
• Failure to consider patient allergies
• Inadequate medication monitoring
• Pharmacy dispensing mistakes

Hospital Negligence

Hospitals have an obligation to provide safe, appropriate care. We represent clients harmed by:

• Emergency room errors
• Inadequate staffing levels
• Poor sanitation leading to infections
• Equipment failures
• Insufficient patient monitoring
• Communication breakdowns between staff

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Elderly and vulnerable patients deserve dignified care. We advocate for victims of:

• Physical abuse in care facilities
• Neglect leading to bedsores or malnutrition
• Medication errors in nursing homes
• Insufficient supervision causing falls or wandering
• Poor hygiene practices
• Financial exploitation
• Emotional abuse

Often, multiple parties may share responsibility. Our comprehensive investigations aim to identify all liable entities to secure full compensation.

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Necessary home modifications
• Specialized care and rehabilitation costs

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also seek compensation for:

• Pre-death medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased

Medical malpractice claims must be filed within strict statutes of limitations, typically ranging from one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of injury in Washington and Oregon. Special rules may apply for:

• Government healthcare facilities
• Minor children
• Latent injuries discovered later

Prompt consultation with an experienced attorney is essential.

1. Thorough Investigation

Our attorneys work with medical experts to review records, interview witnesses, and determine whether negligence occurred. We leave no stone unturned in building your case.

2. Expert Consultation

We collaborate with respected medical professionals to establish the standard of care and demonstrate how it was breached, providing crucial expert testimony.

3. Comprehensive Case Preparation

Every case is meticulously prepared, with robust evidence and persuasive legal arguments, ensuring that your claim is trial-ready if needed.

4. Strategic Negotiation

While many cases can be resolved through negotiation, we are fully prepared to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of your losses.

5. Trial Advocacy

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial attorneys are prepared to present your case in court, advocating passionately for your rights.

A Fresh Perspective with Deep Legal Expertise

Our attorneys bring significant legal experience from their previous roles. We combine a fresh perspective with dedicated legal acumen to aggressively pursue justice for medical malpractice victims.

In-Depth Medical Knowledge

We understand the complex medical issues involved in malpractice cases and translate technical information into compelling legal arguments on your behalf.

Commitment to Accountability

Facing well-resourced defendants, our team is determined to hold all negligent parties accountable, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contingency Fee Representation

We operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you incur no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. This enables you to pursue your claim without financial risk.

Compassionate, Personalized Advocacy

We recognize the emotional, physical, and financial toll of medical malpractice. Our approach is not only rigorous and strategic but also empathetic, ensuring you receive the personalized support you need during this challenging time.

What is considered medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s treatment falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management.

How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?

Potential signs of malpractice include unexpected complications, inconsistent treatments, lack of informed consent, or clear admissions of error by healthcare providers. Our attorneys can evaluate your situation to determine if negligence has occurred.

Does signing a consent form prevent me from suing for malpractice?

No. Consent forms acknowledge the known risks of a procedure but do not shield providers from liability if negligence occurs.

How long do medical malpractice cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary based on case complexity—from a few months to several years, particularly if expert testimony is required or if the case goes to trial.

Will my case go to trial?

While many cases settle out of court, some require litigation to achieve fair compensation. We prepare every case with the possibility of trial in mind.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to suspected medical negligence, contact Lim Hardy Law for a free, confidential consultation. Our dedicated medical malpractice attorneys are ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Serving clients throughout Washington and Oregon, we are committed to providing fresh, focused, and compassionate advocacy—even as a new firm determined to make a significant impact.