Giving You The Resources To Recover

Seeking Justice And Compensation After Medical Malpractice

At the law firm of Colley Shroyer Abraham, we believe in working hard to hold doctors, nurses and other professionals responsible for the injury, pain and medical costs caused by their medical negligence. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a medical error of any sort, we can help. We have earned a reputation for our dedication to the needs of our clients; let us show you what that reputation is built on.

We are medical malpractice lawyers in Columbus who have over 150 combined years of experience standing up for the rights of injured people. We have won on behalf of clients multiple jury verdicts in the millions of dollars, including one that resulted in $8.6 million in compensation, one of the largest verdicts in Ohio history. We are available to assist people throughout Ohio, including those in Columbus, Lancaster and Chillicothe.

Holding Medical Professionals And Hospitals Accountable

We are available to handle cases involving medical malpractice that resulted in traumatic brain injury (TBI), spine injury, serious injury and the wrongful death of a family member. Some examples of cases that we can take on include:

  • Failure to diagnose: Failure to diagnose cancer, including lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer and others; meningitis; and bacterial infections
  • Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosis of cardiac arrest or heart attack as well as cancer; misdiagnosis resulting in a persistent vegetative state and lack of oxygen
  • Birth injuries: Cerebral palsy, respiratory failure, cesarean section error, lack of oxygen, fetal distress, birth malpractice and birth trauma
  • Informed consent errors: Failure to let patients know about the risks and details of surgical procedures and medical treatments
  • Emergency room negligence: Delay in treatment and failure to call in a proper specialist
  • Anesthesia errors: Medication errors, aspiration pneumonia, esophageal intubation, positioning injuries and improper monitoring
  • CTI/MRI/X-ray negligence: Failure to treat something that appears in tests, such as aortic aneurysm or tumor
  • Surgical errors: Infections, severed nerves, wrong-site surgery, eye injuries leading to vision loss, and internal bleeding
  • Hospital malpractice: Negligent acts by hospital staff, such as nurses or resident doctors (doctors-in-training)
  • Medication errors: Prescription errors, wrong medicine, overmedication, preventable allergic reaction to medication, blood clots, and Coumadin (warfarin) and blood thinner medication error

You can rely on us to explain your choices, protect your rights and always fight for maximum compensation for your damages.

Widely Respected For Our Skill

Our knowledge and experience with the law are trusted by not only our clients but also our peers. Michael Colley has served as president of the two most respected legal organizations in the country, the American Association for Justice and the American Board of Trial Advocates. We are medical malpractice attorneys in Ohio who teach the lawyers of today and tomorrow. We have lectured on a statewide and nationwide basis, adding to our peers’ legal education. We have been adjunct law school professors, laying the foundation for the legal professionals of the future. We want to show you how our knowledge and experience can work for you in your medical malpractice case.

What Are Your Questions About Medical Negligence?

We understand that enduring medical malpractice can feel overwhelming. That is why we take the time to answer your questions in detail. Here, we have taken a moment to reply to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Do I have a case for medical malpractice?

You must have several criteria in place to file a malpractice lawsuit. You must prove that:

  1. You had a relationship as a patient with your health care practitioner.
  2. They owed you a duty of care.
  3. They deviated from the expected standard of care.
  4. This resulted in your injury or illness.
  5. As a result, you have damages.

If you have all these elements, you might have a case.

I am unhappy with my outcome. Can I still sue my doctor?

Experiencing negative or inadequate results is not necessarily a reason to file a lawsuit. Sometimes, a course of treatment does not result in a positive result. Doctors are humans, and humans make errors. However, not all errors are the result of malpractice.

What damages can I seek?

Victims of medical malpractice often have many damages for which they need compensation, including:

  • Hospital bills
  • Prescription medications
  • Ongoing medical treatment
  • Rehabilitative therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Pain and suffering

The best way to get an accurate idea of the value of your claim is to speak with an experienced medical malpractice legal team.

Who is eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Ohio?

In Ohio, anyone who has suffered an injury as a direct result of a health care professional’s negligence or failure to provide the standard of care can file a lawsuit. This includes the patient or the patient’s representative if the patient is a minor, incapacitated or deceased.

Can I still file a medical malpractice lawsuit if I signed a consent form before treatment?

Signing a consent form before treatment does not automatically prevent you from filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Ohio. Consent forms typically acknowledge that you understand the risks associated with a procedure or treatment. However, a consent form does not permit a health care provider to deviate from the expected standard of care. If they breached the standard of care and caused harm, you may still have a valid claim.

What kind of evidence is needed to prove medical malpractice?

Evidence needed to prove medical malpractice may include:

  • Medical records
  • Expert testimony
  • Documentation of your injuries
  • Compensable damages

Medical records are crucial as they contain details of the treatment provided and the health care provider’s notes. Expert testimony, usually from a medical professional in the same specialty as the defendant, can establish the standard of care and demonstrate how the breach led to the injury. Additionally, evidence of damages such as medical bills, proof of lost wages, and documentation related to pain and suffering may be necessary to substantiate the claim for compensation. The plaintiff must have evidence of a doctor-patient relationship, a breach of the standard of care, causation linking the breach to the injury and damages resulting from the injury.

What should I expect during the initial consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer?

During the initial consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer, you should expect to discuss the details of your case, including the nature of the medical treatment you received, the outcome, and the harm suffered. The lawyer will probably ask to see your medical records and any other evidence you have that might support your claim. The lawyer will assess the merits of your case, explain the legal process, discuss any potential challenges, and outline the next steps should you decide to proceed with a lawsuit. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for the lawyer and determine whether you feel comfortable working with them.

If my case goes to trial, what will be involved in the process?

If your medical malpractice case goes to trial in Ohio, the process will involve several stages. They include:

  1. Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions to gather information.
  2. Pretrial motions: Each side can file motions to resolve certain issues before trial.
  3. Jury selection: Attorneys question potential jurors to form an unbiased jury panel.
  4. The trial: Both sides present opening statements, witness testimony and closing arguments.

The jury or judge then deliberates and reaches a verdict. Trials can be complex and lengthy, often requiring expert witness testimony to explain medical issues and standards of care to the jury.

Speak With An Attorney In A Free Consultation

When you need Ohio medical malpractice lawyers you can trust, Colley Shroyer Abraham is the firm to represent you. Call us toll-free at 877-450-2697 or send us an email to schedule a free initial consultation. We handle our cases on a contingency basis, which means that we do not get paid unless you are compensated for your injuries. We offer free initial consultations.