Geneticist Malpractice

Advances in medicine over the past few decades have drastically altered healthcare. For example, people can undergo genetic testing to determine whether they carry the genes for any health conditions that they may pass along to their children. Geneticists offer many patients valuable insight into their health and the health of their unborn children, but if they do not provide patients with an accurate assessment of their genetic profile, it can lead to catastrophic consequences and may constitute geneticist malpractice. If you sustained losses because of the carelessness of a geneticist, it is prudent to meet with an attorney to evaluate what damages you may be owed. The capable Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group understand the devastation a geneticist’s mistakes can cause, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the outcome you deserve.

Geneticists are doctors that diagnose hereditary conditions. In some instances, they help patients manage such conditions as well. Generally, people will undergo genetic testing prior to conceiving a child to determine if they or their partner carry genes that increase the risk that their future children would have certain genetic conditions. In some instances, geneticists will analyze amniotic fluid taken from a pregnant woman to determine whether her fetus has a genetic disease. In either case, if a geneticist fails to conduct a comprehensive test or misinterprets test results, it could result in people having children with debilitating and often fatal conditions. In such cases, the parents will often argue that if the genetic tests were conducted properly, it would have revealed the likelihood that their child would be born with said condition.

People may also visit geneticists to determine if they are at risk for developing certain conditions, like Huntington’s disease or breast cancer. If the geneticist conducting the tests does not provide them with accurate information, they may not be able to make informed decisions regarding their health care.

People harmed by the mistakes of a geneticist will often pursue justice for their losses via medical malpractice claims. Generally, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case will have to prove the defendant’s negligence. In order to prove negligence under Maryland law, a plaintiff has to establish that the defendant owed them a duty and that they breached that duty. The duty a doctor owes a patient is to provide them with care that meets the applicable standard. In other words, they must treat them in a manner that a reasonable doctor that works in the same field of medicine would in a similar situation. As the standard of care that binds healthcare providers is usually beyond the understanding of an average layperson, the plaintiff will usually need to hire an expert to explain the standard of care to the judge or jury. Expert testimony will most likely be needed to explain how the defendant’s acts or omissions constitute a breach of the standard of care.

After establishing a duty and breach, the plaintiff must prove that they suffered a loss and that the defendant’s breach directly caused the loss. While the defendant’s behavior does not have to be the only cause of the plaintiff’s injuries, it must be a substantial factor in bringing them about. In many medical malpractice cases, the defendant will attempt to avoid liability by arguing that the plaintiff’s harm was unavoidable. As such, expert testimony is also needed to link the defendant’s actions to the plaintiff’s damages.

Geneticists can help people make challenging decisions about their future and how to grow their families, but if they perform their duties carelessly, it can result in significant losses. If you are a victim of geneticist malpractice, it is smart to talk to an attorney about your potential claims. The seasoned Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are proficient at managing complex medical malpractice cases, and if you engage our services, we will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable outcome. We frequently represent people in medical malpractice cases in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can contact us via our form online or by calling us at (410) 889-1850 to set up a confidential meeting.