Internist Malpractice

Doctors trained in internal medicine are expected to help their patients protect and maintain their health. Unfortunately, not all doctors treat their patients with requisite care, and their oversights and neglect can lead to significant harm. If you sustained injuries due to the incompetence of an internal medicine physician, you might have grounds for pursuing internist malpractice claims, and you should speak to an attorney. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers have ample experience proving that negligent physicians should be liable for the losses they cause their innocent patients, and if we represent you, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. We routinely represent people in medical malpractice cases in Syracuse, where our primary office is located, as well as in Rochester and other cities in Upstate New York.

Generally, internists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating health issues in adult patients. They typically act as primary care providers for their patients, managing both acute illnesses and chronic conditions, like hypertension and diabetes, and offering preventative care to prevent such diseases from developing. If an internist carelessly treats a patient, though, it can lead to severe complications, which in some instances, are fatal. For example, if an internist misses signs of a serious condition, like cancer, heart disease, or stroke, it can result in a delayed diagnosis, significantly undermining a patient's chances of successful treatment and recovery. Similarly, inadequately monitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension may result in uncontrolled disease progression, putting patients at risk of serious complications like organ damage or heart attacks. In some instances, an internist will prescribe a patient the incorrect medication or dosage or fail to identify a contraindication to prescribing medication, leading to critical harm.

People injured by internist malpractice will typically suffer not only physical, mental, and emotional trauma but also significant financial losses. As such, they will often seek compensation via internist malpractice claims.

As the harm caused by an internist is most likely the result of carelessness rather than an intentional act, most plaintiffs in internist malpractice lawsuits will allege that the defendant acted negligently. In New York, to establish negligence, a plaintiff first needs to demonstrate that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty. In the context of medical care, the duty a doctor owes a patient is to offer treatment that comports with the standards of the practice of medicine accepted within the applicable community. Next, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant that the defendant breached this duty by deviating from the established practice. Finally, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant's breach of the standard of care directly caused their harm; in other words, they need to prove that if the defendant adhered to the accepted community standard, they would not have suffered the damages incurred.

Given that judges or juries deciding fault in medical malpractice cases typically lack inherent knowledge of what constitutes appropriate treatment, a plaintiff will most likely need to enlist an expert to clarify the relevant standard of care and offer testimony on how the defendant diverged from the standard. Expert testimony might also be required to quantify the plaintiff's losses. If a plaintiff effectively proves a defendant committed malpractice, they may be awarded compensation for economic losses like medical expenses, lost income, and incidental costs. They may also be granted compensation for non-monetary harm, such as the emotional distress, pain, and suffering stemming from their injuries.

When negligent internal medicine doctors fail to provide their patients with accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment plans, and effective disease management, it often jeopardizes their health and well-being. If you were hurt by internist malpractice, you have the right to seek compensation, and it is smart to meet with an attorney as soon as possible. The seasoned Syracuse attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyer can assess the circumstances surrounding your harm and advise you of your potential claims. We regularly aid people in the pursuit of damages in medical malpractice cases in Syracuse, where our main office is located, and in Rochester and other cities throughout Upstate New York. You can reach us through our form online or by calling 833-200-2000 to set up a free and confidential meeting.