Medical Malpractice in Connecticut: What You Need to Know | Shehu Law
When you seek medical care, you expect doctors, nurses, and hospitals to act with competence and professionalism. Unfortunately, preventable medical mistakes happen and the consequences can be life changing.
If you suspect you were harmed because of a medical provider’s negligence, understanding how medical malpractice works in Connecticut is the first step toward protecting your rights.
What Is Considered Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes injury or death.
Not every negative medical outcome is malpractice. The question is:
Would a reasonably prudent, similarly trained medical professional have acted differently in the same situation?
Connecticut follows the national standard of care, meaning your provider’s conduct is compared to what similar providers across the country would have done.
Legal Elements of Medical Malpractice in Connecticut
To prove a malpractice case, a patient must show:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The provider deviated from the accepted standard of care
- That deviation directly caused the injury
- The patient suffered measurable damages
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Connecticut
Connecticut has strict procedural requirements.
Before filing a lawsuit, you must:
- Conduct a reasonable inquiry into whether malpractice occurred
- Obtain a written opinion from a similar healthcare provider stating there is evidence of negligence
- Attach that opinion to the complaint filed with the court
Failure to follow these steps can result in dismissal of your claim.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice may involve:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Emergency room errors
- Surgical mistakes
- Medication or pharmacy errors
- Birth injuries
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Failure to monitor or follow up
- Nursing home or long-term care negligence
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If medical negligence caused injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Care and Expenses
Doctor visits, hospital bills, therapy, medications, and medical equipment.
Loss of Earnings
Income lost due to recovery and medical appointments.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Future lost earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of Ability to Enjoy Life
Activities you can no longer enjoy due to disability.
Permanent Impairment or Disability
Long-term loss of function.
Disfigurement
Visible injuries, scars, and surgical marks.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Worsening of prior conditions due to negligence.
Wrongful Death
Funeral costs, medical expenses, and loss of companionship.
Loss of Consortium
Impact on marriage and close relationships.
Documenting these losses carefully is critical for a full recovery.
Steps to Protect Your Case
1. Gather Evidence
- Request full medical records
- Save communications with providers
- Keep records before and after treatment
2. Document Your Injuries
- Maintain a daily pain and symptom log
- Photograph scars and physical changes
- Track activities you can no longer perform
3. Speak With an Attorney Early
Medical malpractice laws in Connecticut are complex and time-sensitive. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and avoid procedural mistakes.
If you believe medical negligence harmed you or a loved one, contact Shehu Law for guidance before speaking with insurance companies or hospital administrators.
Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Hospitals and insurers aggressively defend malpractice claims — often with teams of lawyers and expert witnesses.
Our role is to:
- Investigate your case
- Consult qualified medical experts
- Document all damages
- Navigate Connecticut’s malpractice statutes
- Advocate for fair compensation
You focus on healing. We focus on protecting your future.
