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Medical malpractice lawyer North Charleston

Duty of care, breaches, and patient harm

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and a patient is injured as a result. Examples include misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, and preventable infections at hospitals or clinics. Doughty Law Firm works with medical experts to review records and assess liability.

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Deadlines and the discovery rule

Filing windows and statute of repose

South Carolina law generally allows three years to file a malpractice claim, subject to a discovery rule for injuries found later, and a statute of repose that can bar claims after six years. These timelines are strict and can vary with specific facts. We calculate deadlines and move quickly to preserve your claim.

Building the case

Records, experts, and pre-suit requirements

Strong malpractice claims rely on complete medical records, expert opinions, and thorough damages documentation. We help obtain records, identify specialists, and prepare the evidence needed for negotiations or court. When injuries began after a car crash or other trauma, we coordinate with related claims so the record is clear.

What compensation can include

Treatment costs, lost income, and human losses

Damages may cover medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. We present how the injury affects daily life, work, and family responsibilities. Doughty Law Firm prepares a demand that reflects both economic and non-economic harm.

Questions patients ask

Short answers to complex issues

  • How do I know if I have a malpractice case?

    A bad outcome alone is not malpractice, but negligence that causes harm can be. We review records with experts to evaluate the claim.

  • Do I need an expert witness?

    Most cases require expert testimony to explain the standard of care and causation. We retain qualified experts and manage their reports.

  • Are there caps on damages?

    South Carolina has caps on certain non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. We explain how the caps may apply to your facts.

  • Can I sue the hospital and the doctor?

    Liability depends on employment and control issues along with the facts of the care. We analyze records to determine who should be named.

  • How long will a malpractice case take?

    These cases often take longer due to expert work and discovery. We keep you updated and push the case forward.

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Ready to talk

Speak with a North Charleston medical malpractice lawyer

Tell us what happened and when you first noticed the injury. Doughty Law Firm will explain timelines and next steps so you can make informed decisions.