Medical professionals dedicate their lives to helping others. But when claims arise, the consequences can be severe. In Virginia, health care providers may find themselves facing malpractice claims that threaten their reputations, careers, and livelihoods. Our firm focuses on providing strategic and aggressive medical malpractice defense to doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other health care professionals across the Commonwealth.
Understanding Malpractice Allegations
Medical malpractice claims can arise from a variety of circumstances. Claimants may allege negligence from a careless action or even a failure to act. Targets of malpractice claims include not only physicians, but also physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other medical staff. We defend against all types of malpractice claims, including:
- Birth Injury
- Surgical Errors
- Misdiagnosis/Delayed Diagnosis
- Failure to Treat
It is critical to remember that an unfortunate medical outcome is not proof that malpractice occurred. Patients may have disappointing treatment results even when the best available care is provided. Virginia law requires patients to prove that the health care provider both breached the standard of care and that breach was a cause of the patient’s claimed harm.
The defense of medical malpractice claims often begins with an analysis of the applicable standard of care and how it applies to an individual claimant’s case. This analysis requires consideration of the medical complexities of the patient’s care as well as the information available to the health care providers in the moment, without the benefit of hindsight. Our team will work to develop defenses on standard of care, causation, and damages, and retain highly qualified experts to work to support those defenses.
Pre-Litigation Advocacy
Some cases can be resolved or even dismissed before they ever reach trial. Our team focuses on early intervention to achieve the best possible outcome as early in the process as possible. We investigate facts, preserve critical records, and communicate with opposing counsel or insurers.
In appropriate cases, we negotiate for a favorable settlement that protects our client while avoiding the expense and stress of prolonged litigation. In others, we prepare aggressively for court from the outset. Either way, our strategy is shaped by the facts of the case and molded by our years of trial experience.
Defending Professionals at Trial
When a case proceeds to litigation, we build a courtroom strategy that presents our client’s case in the appropriate context. We challenge allegations of negligence by demonstrating that the patient’s outcome may have resulted from pre-existing conditions or unrelated factors. We scrutinize the qualifications and assumptions of the plaintiff’s expert witnesses to show their testimony does not deserve real consideration.
We also understand the emotional toll a trial can take on health care providers. Our attorneys work closely with clients throughout the process to ensure they know what to expect.
Talk to Satterwhite Taddeo Today
A malpractice lawsuit is more than just a legal dispute. The outcome of these cases can have a profound impact on your life and career. We understand what is at stake and will fight for the outcome you deserve. Call Satterwhite Taddeo today to discuss your situation.