Providence Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Standing With Patients & Families After Medical Harm

When medical care goes wrong, the results can be life-changing. A missed diagnosis, a surgical mistake, or a preventable birth injury can leave you or a loved one facing serious complications, disability, or loss. In that moment, it is natural to wonder whether a health care provider’s mistake caused this outcome.

If you are asking these questions after treatment in Providence or elsewhere in Rhode Island, Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. is here to listen. We have represented injured individuals and families since 1975. Our attorneys focus on serious cases, including medical malpractice, and have obtained landmark results for patients throughout the state.

Over the decades, we have recovered more than $1 billion for clients, including Rhode Island’s largest medical malpractice verdict and the second-largest personal injury judgment in state history. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer Providence trusts for complex cases.

Contact our firm today at (401) 200-4059 to schedule a free case evaluation.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient. The “standard of care” refers to the level of treatment a reasonably competent medical professional would provide under similar circumstances.

Not every negative medical outcome qualifies as malpractice. However, when a provider’s negligence leads to preventable injury, illness, or complications, a malpractice claim may be appropriate. These cases often involve complex medical evidence and require careful legal analysis to determine whether a provider’s actions fell below accepted professional standards.

Our Providence medical malpractice attorney can review medical records, consult with experts, and determine whether negligence played a role in your injury.

Common Forms of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can occur in hospitals, clinics, private practices, emergency rooms, and other healthcare settings. Some of the most common types of malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failing to identify a condition in time can allow illnesses to worsen and limit treatment options.
• Surgical errors: Operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments behind, or making avoidable mistakes during a procedure.
• Medication errors: Prescribing the wrong drug or dosage, or failing to account for allergies and dangerous interactions.
• Birth injuries: Negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that harms the mother or baby.
• Anesthesia mistakes: Errors in administering anesthesia that lead to serious complications or injury.
• Failure to monitor or treat: Not recognizing warning signs, complications, or changes in a patient’s condition.

Each situation is unique, and determining whether malpractice occurred requires a detailed investigation and professional medical input.

Medical Malpractice Laws in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law governs how and when patients can file medical malpractice claims. Understanding these rules is critical to protecting your right to compensation.

Statute of Limitations

In Rhode Island, medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within three years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Missing this deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation.

Expert Testimony Requirements

Medical malpractice cases often require expert testimony to establish that a provider breached the standard of care and caused the patient’s injury.

Comparative Fault

Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means a patient may still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, though the award may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Who is Liable?

Liability in a medical malpractice case depends on who was responsible for the negligent care. Multiple parties may be involved, including:

• Physicians and surgeons
• Nurses and medical staff
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Pharmacists
• Specialists and consulting providers

Hospitals and medical institutions may also be held liable for inadequate staffing, poor training, or unsafe policies. Determining liability requires careful analysis of medical records, treatment decisions, and professional responsibilities.

Compensation Available to Injured Patients

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. While every case is different, potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses: Costs for additional treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery.
• Loss of future earning capacity: Reduced ability to work due to long-term injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress.
• Disability or disfigurement: Long-term physical impacts on quality of life.
• Wrongful death damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

The goal of a malpractice claim is to help restore financial stability and provide accountability for negligent care.

Medical Malpractice FAQs

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

If you suffered harm after receiving medical care and believe negligence played a role, you may have a valid claim. A lawyer can review your case and help determine your legal options.

How long does a medical malpractice case take?

These cases can take months or even years, depending on complexity, the need for expert testimony, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

Do I need expert witnesses?

Yes, expert medical testimony is typically required to show that a provider breached the standard of care and caused harm.

What if the doctor says complications were unavoidable?

Not all complications are malpractice. However, if the complication resulted from negligence, you may still have a claim. Legal and medical review is necessary to determine the difference.

Can I sue a hospital for malpractice?

Yes. Hospitals can be held liable for their own negligence or for the actions of employees such as nurses and staff physicians.

What should I do if I suspect malpractice?

Seek medical attention if needed, request copies of your medical records, and consult a Providence medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Why Injured Patients Turn To Our Firm

Choosing a medical injury lawyer that Providence patients can rely on is not easy when you are dealing with pain, grief, and uncertainty. You may be facing lost income, mounting medical bills, and long-term care needs. You also know that hospitals, physicians, and their insurers often have significant resources behind them.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we have spent nearly five decades handling high-stakes cases in Rhode Island courts. Our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients. This record includes Rhode Island’s largest medical malpractice verdict, as well as the state’s second-largest personal injury judgment, results that reflect the scale of cases we are prepared to pursue.

Our leadership includes Principal Shareholder Mark B. Decof, who brings more than 42 years of trial and litigation experience, Shareholder Mike Quinn, known for multimillion-dollar settlements that help clients secure long-term stability, and Shareholder Jeffrey A. Mega, who has obtained jury verdicts and settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. Together with nine attorneys who have deep knowledge of medical malpractice litigation, they form a trial team ready to take on complex medical negligence claims.

We are recognized by organizations such as Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Lawdragon, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. These honors reflect the respect we have earned in the legal community. For clients, that translates into a firm that is prepared to investigate difficult cases, present evidence clearly, and advocate in Providence County Superior Court and other Rhode Island courts when a fair resolution is not offered.

To discuss your situation with our team, call (401) 200-4059.