Can I sue my doctor in Texas?

Asked by: Katelin Kulas  |  Last update: November 10, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (73 votes)

You can file a medical malpractice lawsuit anytime a hospital or their employees are negligent or act wrongfully and cause you harm. Specifically, that means that a physician or hospital failed to disclose or adequately disclose the risks or hazards involved in the medical procedure you were undergoing.

Is it hard to sue a doctor in Texas?

These cases can be challenging to pursue because winning a judgment does not guarantee that the plaintiff will recover any damages. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can address these obstacles and review if any other parties involved are liable for the negligent care.

How long do you have to sue a doctor in Texas?

In general, a medical malpractice lawsuit in Texas has a two-year window, so in most cases, you would have two years to sue a doctor after surgery. However, there are certain exceptions. Other than the deadline, there are other critical details involved which might affect your case.

Can you sue a doctor for pain and suffering in Texas?

In Texas, medical malpractice suits can be filed for “treatment, lack of treatment or other claimed departure from accepted standards of medical care” that result in injury or death to the patient. [1] Remember, it must be proven that this harm resulted from the healthcare professional's negligence.

What qualifies as medical malpractice in Texas?

Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor, physician, or any other health care professional causes any type of injury to a patient through performing a negligent act or omission. These injuries can result from a misdiagnosis, surgery, treatment, and much more.

HOW TO SUE A DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL FOR NEGLIGENCE 👨‍ 🏥

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How much can you sue a doctor in Texas?

In total, the non-economic damages cap can reach up to $500,000, in the case that you sue both the doctor or healthcare provider and the hospital. So, the most you can get if you file a suit against a doctor is $250,000. If you sue a hospital for negligence, you can get the same amount.

How do I prove medical malpractice in Texas?

Gather Proof
  1. A legitimate doctor-patient relationship existed (which establishes a duty of care)
  2. That you suffered some harm while under the care of a health care provider.
  3. A medical provider's treatment of you (negligence) resulted in your injuries or a loved one's wrongful death.

How do you prove pain and suffering in Texas?

Medical evidence: Nothing is more objective for a jury than to hear your treating medical professionals describe exactly what's happened to you and how the injuries have caused pain and suffering. For example, if your back is in severe pain, the doctor can show precisely why it is.

What is the maximum pain and suffering in Texas?

Texas courts impose a cap of $250,000 on pain and suffering damages in medical malpractice cases, however, regardless of your circumstances. Even if the multiplier method states that your pain and suffering damages are worth more, $250,000 is the most you'll be able to collect if a health care provider caused you harm.

What is the limit on pain and suffering in Texas?

In Texas, although there are no limits to the amount of pain and suffering you could receive in a car accident, premises liability, slip and fall or defective product claim, there is a damage cap of $250,000 on pain and suffering for a medical malpractice claim.

How do I file a complaint against a doctor in Texas?

How can I report a complaint regarding a physician, physician assistant or acupuncturist? Call the Texas Medical Board at 800-201-9353 or file a complaint online .

How much can you sue for medical negligence in Texas?

The value of your case will depend on how badly you were harmed and the skill of your attorney. In Texas, you can receive up to $250,000 for pain and suffering. The payout for medical expenses and lost wages does not have an upper limit.

Can you sue a doctor after 10 years in Texas?

Additionally, Texas has in place a statute of repose of 10 years for medical malpractice cases. This means that no medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed if more than 10 years have passed since the alleged mistake occurred, regardless of when the mistake was discovered.

What is the highest medical malpractice settlement?

Ten of the Largest Medical Malpractice Verdicts of 2022
  • $111 million verdict in Minnesota: Thapa v. ...
  • $97.4 million verdict in Iowa: Kromphardt v. ...
  • $77 million verdict in Georgia: The Estate of Nicholas Carusillo v. ...
  • $75 million verdict in Georgia: Buckelew v. ...
  • $68.8 million verdict in Florida: Crohan v.

Is pain and suffering taxable in Texas?

Any damages that are meant to compensate the claimant for missed work, medical bills, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and attorney fees are not taxable as long as they come from a personal injury or a physical sickness.

What is the max punitive damages in Texas?

Punitive damages

They will only be awarded if other damages are also awarded. Punitive damages are capped in Texas, as listed in the Texas Statutes here. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times the amount of economic damages PLUS the amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.

What is an example of a pain and suffering settlement?

For example, if a person is involved in a car accident and suffers whiplash, a concussion, and a broken arm, their medical bills could total $5,000. Since the injuries are moderate, the insurance company might use a multiplier of 3 and offer a settlement of $15,000 for the pain and suffering component of the lawsuit.

What is evidence of pain and suffering?

Some documents your lawyer may use to prove that your pain and suffering exist include: Medical bills. Medical records, including your treatment records. Pictures of your injuries.

Is emotional distress considered bodily injury in Texas?

Emotional distress damages are considered “non-economic” in that they don't have an obvious effect on one's general abilities, as would be the case with a physical injury. And because unlike physical injuries which are more easily quantifiable, Texas courts cap NIED damages.

How do you quantify emotional distress damages in Texas?

Once the attorney has argued for emotional distress damages, he or she will then calculate a settlement amount using what's called a “multiplier method.” It works by adding up all the tangible or economic damages, like medical costs and lost wages, and then multiplying that sum by a given number, usually between 1.5 ...

What triggers medical malpractice?

Many malpractice claims arise because of medical mistakes such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and improper administration of medication. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, then contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

How long do you have to file a malpractice suit in Texas?

For the most part, the statute of limitations in the state of Texas for medical malpractice is two years. This means that a citizen wishing to bring a medical malpractice suit against someone must do so no later than two years after the date of the negligent act, omission, or practice.

What four things must be proven in a medical malpractice case explain each one?

According to Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, the four elements of medical malpractice include:
  • The doctor or facility owed a professional duty of care.
  • There was a breach of duty.
  • The victim suffered injuries as a result of the negligence.
  • There were financial or intangible losses.

Can you sue for misdiagnosis in Texas?

If you have been misdiagnosed by your doctor, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice. An attorney can help you determine whether or not you have a viable case and how much compensation you may be entitled to receive.

What are the limitations for legal malpractice in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for a legal malpractice case is 2 years. The statute of limitations does not begin to run until the client discovers or should have discovered through the exercise of reasonable care and diligence the facts establishing his or her cause of action.