Would I be able to sue the Hospital and under what context?
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Would I be able to sue the Hospital and under what context?
I went to the hospital for a cat scan and no one reminded me to take off my belt or
any other metal objects. While I was under the machine my belt caught on fire
giving me minor burns.
Asked on May 9, 2016 under Malpractice Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
What you describe is malpractice: negligent, or unreasonably careless, medical practice. The issue is, is it worth doing anything (i.e. taking legal action) beyond simply asking for some compensation?
In a malpractice case, you can only get compensation equivalent to your out-of-pocket (not paid by insurance) medical costs, lost wages, if any, and, if you suffer long lasting (months or longer) significant disability, disfigurement, or life impairment, some amount for "pain and suffering." However, at the same time, a malpractice case can be expensive to bring, because you need a medical expert on your side, and they do not work cheap. So if, as we hope, you have relatively few additional medical costs and your burns, which you state were minor, heal quickly and well, there'd be no point in legal action: you'd spend more on the case than you'd get back.
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