If you drive a vehicle, you are responsible for safely maneuvering a heavy object that could potentially cause severe damage to other people. Likewise, doctors—who oftentimes hold your life in their hands—must be focused exclusively on their duties while on the job. If they get distracted by a smartphone or other device, they can also cause serious injury or even death.

If your physician made errors while you were in their care, you may have grounds for a civil suit. A distracted doctoring in an Albany medical malpractice case may make you eligible for compensation for any damages or losses resulting from a doctor’s negligence. Contact a dedicated medical malpractice attorney today and get the support you need in pursuing financial recovery.

Problem with Distracted Doctoring

Without an interruption from a cell phone or other distraction, the estimated risk of a major medication error is about 2.3 percent. However, with four interruptions, that risk doubles.

A smartphone can cause a doctor to become distracted while performing highly important tasks such as surgery, but also while performing a patient examination, interpreting test results, ordering medications, writing prescriptions, working with other members of the medical team, and speaking with family members of patients.

What Can Distracted Doctoring Lead To?

Distracted doctoring in an Albany medical malpractice case can lead to a plethora of serious consequences, including but not limited to:

  • Medication overdoses
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infections
  • Incomplete surgeries
  • Surgeries on the wrong body part or patient
  • Overlooked symptoms
  • Missed or wrong diagnosis
  • Providing invalid tests or tests results

What is Comparative Fault?

Being partially at fault does not preclude a victim from filing a lawsuit and obtaining compensation. New York, however, uses comparative fault as per New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §1411. This means that the jury could reduce the plaintiff’s final damage award based on the percentage by responsibility they hold for the accident that caused the injury.

New York does not have any laws that place caps on the amount of money a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case may collect.

Potential Compensation

Those who are hurt in a distracted doctoring in Albany medical malpractice case likely have more than medical bills to be worried about. Plaintiffs could not only seek compensation for their medical bills to date but may also be able to sue for future medical bills and therapies. Other categories of possible compensation include:

  • Lost current and future wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional damages
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Legal expenses
  • Travel expenses

Hold Distracted Doctors in Albany Medical Malpractice Cases Accountable

If you believe you suffered injuries from distracted doctoring in an Albany medical malpractice case, contact an experienced lawyer today. Local attorneys witness the negative effects of distracted doctoring firsthand and are passionate about working for justice. A trustworthy legal team could evaluate the circumstances of your injury to determine if your case has merit.

The goal of any qualified medical malpractice lawyer is to provide you with compassionate representation. Call today to learn more about what types and how much compensation you may be entitled to as you recover from the carelessness of a distracted doctor.