Medical Malpractice in Kentucky: Requirements for a Lawsuit

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can lead to serious injury or death for patients. In Kentucky, patients have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit if they have suffered an injury due to a negligent healthcare provider.

In this article, learn more about the ins and outs of medical malpractice in Kentucky.

1. Kentucky Statute of Limitations

The Kentucky Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is one year from the date of the injury or from the date that the damage was discovered.

This means that if a person is injured due to medical malpractice, they must file a lawsuit within one year of the injury or the date that the injury was discovered. If the person does not file a lawsuit within this one year, they may be barred from filing a lawsuit at all.

2. Certification of Merit Requirement

Medical malpractice cases in Kentucky are complex and require legal expertise to prove. To bring a successful medical malpractice lawsuit in Kentucky, the plaintiff must prove that the medical professional’s negligence caused the injury or illness.

To do this, they must obtain a Certificate of Merit from a qualified medical expert.

The Certificate of Merit requirement was put in place to help protect medical professionals from frivolous lawsuits. It also helps ensure that only those with a legitimate medical malpractice claim can pursue a lawsuit.

To meet the requirements for a Certificate of Merit in Kentucky, the plaintiff must provide evidence that the negligence of a medical professional caused their injury or illness. This can be done through various methods, including medical records, expert witness testimony, and other evidence. Additionally, the plaintiff must provide evidence that the breach of the standard of care caused their injury or illness.

3. Elements of Proof for a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Kentucky

Medical malpractice lawsuits in the state of Kentucky are complex matters that require significant evidence to prove the elements of a successful claim. In order to prevail in a medical malpractice case, four key elements must be proven: damages, causation, duty of care, and breach of duty. 

Damages

The patient must show that they suffered personal injury, physical or mental harm, or financial losses due to the negligence of a medical professional. To prove damages, the plaintiff must provide evidence of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other types of damages.

Causation

The plaintiff must prove that the injury or harm was caused by the negligence of the medical professional in question. This means that the plaintiff must provide evidence that the medical professional’s actions were a direct cause of the injury or harm suffered.

Duty of Care

In any medical malpractice case, the plaintiff must prove that the medical professional had a duty of care towards the patient. This means that the medical professional was obligated to provide care in accordance with professional standards of practice.

The plaintiff must provide evidence that the medical professional failed to provide the appropriate standard of care.

Breach of Duty

The medical professional must have acted negligently or recklessly in providing care to the patient. The plaintiff must provide evidence that the medical professional’s actions were not in line with the standard of care.

Final Thoughts

Medical malpractice lawsuits in Kentucky require a thorough understanding of the legal process. Plaintiffs must prove that the medical professional acted in a manner that did not meet the accepted standard of care, that this action or inaction caused injury or death, and that the damages have resulted from the negligence.

Due to the complexities of the medical malpractice system, it is crucial to understand the relevant state laws and seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to ensure a successful claim. With the right information, victims of medical malpractice can seek justice and receive the compensation they deserve.

Get professional help for your medical malpractice case with Circeo Law Firm. We will connect you with the best medical malpractice attorney in Kentucky to help you get started. Call us for a free, confidential consultation today!