Providence County Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When you seek medical care, you expect doctors, nurses, and hospitals to provide safe, competent treatment. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care, patients can suffer devastating injuries, long-term complications, or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a healthcare provider’s negligence, Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. is here to help. Our Providence County medical malpractice attorney fights for patients and families across Rhode Island to secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

Contact us today at (401) 200-4059 to schedule a free consultation and take the next step forward with a trusted team on your side.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to act in accordance with accepted medical standards, and that failure directly causes harm to a patient. Not every negative medical outcome is malpractice—medicine involves risks and uncertainties—but if a competent provider in the same situation would have acted differently, you may have a malpractice claim.

Examples of malpractice can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management. To prove a malpractice case in Rhode Island, you generally must establish:

• A doctor-patient relationship existed.
• A duty of care was owed by the medical professional.
• A breach of duty occurred due to negligence or error.
• The negligence directly caused harm.
• You suffered measurable harm (physical, emotional, or financial).

Common Forms of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can take many forms, and the consequences vary from temporary injuries to life-altering disabilities. Common examples include:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – When a doctor fails to correctly identify a medical condition in time, leading to worsened outcomes.
• Surgical Errors – Wrong-site surgery, leaving surgical tools inside the body, or causing injury to internal organs.
• Medication Errors – Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, failing to check for dangerous drug interactions, or administering drugs incorrectly.
• Birth Injuries – Negligence during labor and delivery can cause injuries such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage to newborns.
• Anesthesia Errors – Administering too much or too little anesthesia or failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs properly.
• Hospital Negligence – Unsanitary conditions, inadequate staffing, or failure to follow safety protocols that result in patient harm.

Medical Malpractice Laws in Rhode Island

If you are considering pursuing a medical malpractice claim in Providence County, it’s important to understand Rhode Island’s laws:

Statute of Limitations

In Rhode Island, patients generally have three years from the date of the malpractice—or the date it was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered—to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving minors or delayed discovery.

Certificate of Merit

Before filing, Rhode Island law requires that a qualified medical expert review your case and provide a sworn statement that malpractice may have occurred. This helps prevent frivolous lawsuits and ensures that only legitimate claims move forward.

Damages Available

Successful malpractice claims can recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium (for spouses and family)

In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be available.

Because medical malpractice claims are highly technical and require expert testimony, having a skilled Providence County medical malpractice lawyer on your side is critical to building a strong case.

Why Choose Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C.?

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we understand the toll medical negligence takes on individuals and families. Our firm offers:

• Extensive Experience – We have handled complex malpractice claims involving hospitals, private practices, and nursing facilities.
• Medical Expert Network – We collaborate with top medical professionals to strengthen your case.
• Personalized Attention – Every client receives individualized care, because no two malpractice cases are the same.
• Aggressive Representation – We fight to hold negligent providers accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Medical Malpractice FAQs

How do I know if I have a malpractice case?

If you suffered an injury because a doctor, nurse, or hospital failed to meet the standard of care, you may have a case. An experienced lawyer can review medical records and consult experts to determine validity.

How long do I have to file a claim in Rhode Island?

You generally have three years from the date of injury or discovery. However, some exceptions may extend this timeframe, so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I sue a hospital directly?

Yes, hospitals can be held liable for negligent staff, inadequate policies, or unsafe conditions. Depending on the circumstances, both the hospital and individual medical providers may be named in the lawsuit.

What compensation can I recover?

Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional damages, and, in severe cases, punitive damages.

Do I need a lawyer to file a malpractice claim?

Yes. Medical malpractice cases are complex, requiring medical expertise, detailed evidence, and strict adherence to procedural rules. A skilled attorney significantly increases your chance of success.

Speak with a Providence County Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by negligent medical care in Providence County, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. is here to stand by your side, fight for accountability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call (401) 200-4059 today for a free consultation with a Providence County medical malpractice attorney.