Medical Malpractice

FAQ: What is Medical Malpractice?

Many do not contemplate the definition of medical malpractice until they or someone they love has had a bad medical outcome, sometimes even resulting in death. If you or a family member are in such a difficult situation, it’s important to understand medical malpractice; but first, we must discuss what’s referred to as the “standard of care.”

The Standard of Care

According to medical malpractice attorney, James R. Howell of PHP Law Firm in Wichita, Kansas, the “standard of care” is based on the rigorous education and training health care providers receive. Such education and training often includes classroom study, participation in clinical training where they work next to other professionals, specialized training through residencies and fellowships as well as the education obtained through medical textbooks and journals.

Through all of the above, health care providers develop an understanding of the “standard of care.” The “standard of care” is truly the basis from which health care providers determine how to treat various signs, symptoms and patient histories. Simply put, the “standard of care” is what a reasonable health care provider would do given the same or a similar situation.

Medical Malpractice

As you might have guessed, when a health care provider fails to deliver the “standard of care” and it results in harm, injury or even death, medical malpractice may have occurred. Unfortunately, medical malpractice is not uncommon. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Here is an example scenario: If a patient arrives in an Emergency Room complaining of severe chest pain, the “standard of care” would require the health care provider to order an EKG, chest Xray and blood work. That’s because a reasonable health care provider knows that severe chest pain could be a sign or symptom of a heart attack. If the health care provider does not take those steps and instead, sends the patient home where they have a heart attack and die, medical malpractice has occurred.

How Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys Can Help

Based in Wichita, Kansas, the PHP Law Firm team of medical malpractice attorneys helps individuals and families who are attempting to recover from the harm caused by medical malpractice. We offer free consultations and will talk through your situation with you before making a recommendation. Our main goal is making it possible for the patient and/or their loved ones to move forward again, so we do not charge a cent unless we win compensation for you.

Contact us directly at (316) 683-9080 to schedule a free consultation. Remember, no fees unless you are compensated!


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Our highly qualified and compassionate team is available to listen and evaluate your case. We do not charge any fees unless we win. Call us at (800) 266-0036 to get started!

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