To effectively examine, diagnose, and treat patients, doctors must be completely focused. Unfortunately, doctors can be distracted by many things—including their cell phone or social media accounts—when they should be focusing on their patient. If these distractions result in mistakes in the course of your care, you may be able to file a claim for recovery of damages.

If you were negatively impacted by distracted doctoring in a Hudson Valley medical malpractice case, contact an experienced local lawyer today to find out if you have grounds for a lawsuit. A skilled medical malpractice attorney could assess your situation to see if you are eligible for financial compensation.

Defining Distracted Doctoring

Like many other professionals, medical professionals can become easily distracted by their smartphones or other devices while on the job. Since medical professionals work directly with people in need of thoughtful answers to their health issues, a lack of focus can cause serious injury or harm to patients. Distracted doctoring can affect nearly any type of patient and cause surgical errors, medication errors, and many other types of catastrophic mistakes.

Over the last several decades, technology has been able to significantly improve patient care and outcomes. Dr. Peter W. Carmel, president of the American Medical Association, said technology offers great potential in healthcare but emphasized that a doctors’ first priority should be with the patient. While smartphone technology gives doctors access to vital information almost immediately, it can also take their attention away from patient care.

Malpractice Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the amount of time a plaintiff is given to file their distracted doctoring medical malpractice case in Hudson Valley. As per New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214-a, plaintiffs in a medical malpractice case have a time limit of two years and six months to file their claim with the courts.

However, if a distracted doctor malpractice event happened in conjunction with ongoing treatment, the clock does not start until the treatment is entirely completed. Either way, if an injured patient does not file their case within the 30-month deadline, they would likely lose their right to sue.

There are a few select cases where the deadline can be extended, however. For example, if the healthcare provider moved out of state or if the victim is mentally ill or disabled, they may not be barred from filing a claim beyond the 30-month period for an instance of distracted doctoring in a Hudson Valley medical malpractice case.

Get Help Recovering from Distracted Doctoring in Hudson Valley

Every patient deserves the full attention of their medical care providers. Unfortunately, many patients fall victim of doctors who are distracted and make medical errors. If you believe that you were injured due to the actions of a distracted medical professional, call today.

A seasoned attorney could help you determine if distracted doctoring in a Hudson Valley medical malpractice case caused you compensable harm. If so, an accomplished lawyer who has experience in medical malpractice and personal injury lawsuits could help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your damages.