What to Know about Medical Malpractice in Nevada

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects many people in the United States. It occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, fails to provide the appropriate standard of care to a patient, resulting in injury or harm. In Nevada, medical malpractice cases are governed by specific laws and regulations that must be followed in order to file a successful claim. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know about medical malpractice in Nevada, including relevant laws, potential settlements, and how an experienced lawyer can help.

What the Relevant Laws in Nevada?

Nevada has specific laws and regulations that govern medical malpractice cases. These laws outline the requirements for filing a claim, the statute of limitations, and the damages that can be recovered. One of the most important laws is the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 41A, which outlines the requirements for filing a medical malpractice claim.

Under NRS Chapter 41A, a medical malpractice claim must be filed within three years of the date of the injury or one year from the date the injury was discovered, whichever is earlier. This is known as the statute of limitations. If the claim is not filed within this time frame, it may be barred from being heard in court.

Another important law is the Nevada Medical Malpractice Act (MMA), which outlines the requirements for filing a medical malpractice claim against a healthcare provider. Under the MMA, a plaintiff must provide a written notice of intent to file a claim to the healthcare provider at least 90 days before filing a lawsuit. This notice must include a detailed description of the alleged malpractice and the injuries suffered by the plaintiff.

How Do I Prove Medical Malpractice?

In order to prove medical malpractice in Nevada, the plaintiff must show that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care and that this breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The standard of care is the level of care that a reasonable healthcare provider would provide under similar circumstances.

To prove a breach of the standard of care, the plaintiff must present expert testimony from a qualified healthcare provider who can testify as to what the appropriate standard of care would have been in the specific circumstances of the case. This expert must also testify that the defendant’s healthcare provider breached this standard of care.

The plaintiff must also show that the breach of the standard of care caused the plaintiff’s injuries. This can be done by presenting medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence that shows a direct link between the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s injuries.

How Big of a Settlement Can I Win?

The amount of a settlement in a medical malpractice case in Nevada depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the impact of the injuries on the plaintiff’s life. In general, settlements in medical malpractice cases can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.

In Nevada, there is a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The cap on non-economic damages in Nevada is $350,000.

However, there is no cap on economic damages, which include things like medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical care. Economic damages can be significant in medical malpractice cases, especially if the plaintiff requires ongoing medical care or is unable to work due to their injuries.

How Can an Experienced Lawyer Help?

Navigating the legal system can be complex and overwhelming, especially when it comes to medical malpractice cases. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

A lawyer can help you gather evidence, including medical records and expert testimony, to build a strong case. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and healthcare providers to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.

In addition, a lawyer can help you understand the specific laws and regulations that apply to medical malpractice cases in Nevada. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim, meeting the requirements of the statute of limitations, and complying with the Nevada Medical Malpractice Act.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice in Nevada, call High Stakes Injury Law at (702) 707-5934 for a free case evaluation. We can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and fight for the compensation you deserve.