Your Toughest Advocate Yakima Medical Malpractice Lawyer Over $2 billion recovered for clients in your community since 1995

Yakima Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Fighting For Medical Malpractice Victims in Washington

Medical malpractice is a serious issue in the United States, impacting countless lives each year. Some studies have even shown that medical errors are the third-leading cause of preventable deaths in the country, underscoring how systemic and dramatic the problem of medical malpractice really is. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care required in their profession, the consequences can be severe, causing physical, emotional, and financial harm, so it is more important than ever for anyone who has been harmed by medical malpractice to explore their legal options.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to negligent medical care, see if you can start a claim or lawsuit with the help of Carpenter & Zuckerman. Not only can a successful claim help you secure the compensation you need to recover, but it also holds negligent providers accountable and promotes higher standards of patient care. Our Yakima medical malpractice attorneys have secured more than $2 billion through awards and verdicts for past clients – we would be honored to see what we can do for your case, too*.

(* Past case results are not a guarantee for future case results.)

Begin with a free case consultation. Call (509) 978-6287 our medical malpractice attorney in Yakima at any time.

$131 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our client was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was over-served at a restaurant/bar.
$29.2 Million Brain Injury
Secured a victory against State Farm for a brain injury claim after the policy limits were exposed.
$21.65 Million Motorcycle Accident
Secured compensation for a fitness model and bodybuilder injured in a motor scooter accident.
$17 Million Brain Injury
For a woman with a traumatic brain injury, who appeared normal to those unfamiliar with her condition.
$14.6 Million Commercial Vehicle
Obtained a verdict for the family of a farmer killed in a vehicle crash involving a commercial vehicle.
$13,860,000 Brain Injury
For a professional fighter who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury after a car crash
$12,000,000 Brain Injury
$10,500,000 Car Accident
$10,500,000 Distracted Driving Accident
$10,250,000 Motorcycle Accident
$6,500,000 Assault
$6,100,000 Assault
$3.7 Million Medical Malpractice
For a patient who was a victim of medical malpractice, the defense refused to settle before trial.
$3,000,000 Slip & Fall
$2,500,000 Slip & Fall
$2,100,000 Hit-and-Run Accident
$1,645,000 Slip & Fall
$1,500,000 Motorcycle Accident
$1.34 Million Spinal Injury
Secured a verdict against State Farm for an accident resulting in a spinal injury.
$1,230,000 Spinal Injury

see more wins

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

Some of the most common types of medical malpractice include:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Errors in identifying or timing a diagnosis can result in improper treatment or no treatment at all, leading to preventable complications.
Surgical errors: Mistakes made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, leaving tools inside a patient, or causing unintended injuries, can have lasting effects.
Medication errors: Medication errors involve prescribing the wrong medication, the incorrect dosage, or medications that interact harmfully with other drugs.
Birth injuries: Negligence during prenatal care, labor, or delivery can harm both the baby and the mother, resulting in conditions like cerebral palsy or other long-term disabilities.
Hospital infections: Patients trust healthcare facilities to maintain sanitary conditions, but neglecting proper hygiene can lead to life-threatening infections.
Premature release from care: Discharging patients too early can prevent conditions from being properly treated, resulting in preventable complications and readmissions.

Elements of Medical Malpractice

To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, four elements of liability are usually required, including:

Duty of care: The healthcare provider had a professional obligation (like a doctor-patient relationship) to provide care that meets accepted medical standards.
Breach of duty: The provider failed to meet those standards, such as administering improper treatment, delaying care, or neglecting hygiene protocols.
Causation: A direct link must be proven between the provider’s actions (or inactions) and the harm the patient experienced.
Damages: The malpractice must have resulted in quantifiable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, physical injuries, or emotional suffering.

Preparing a case often requires gathering strong evidence to demonstrate all the above elements. Medical records, expert testimony, and a detailed timeline of events can prove crucial, especially when used by a legal team as experienced and talented as ours.

Compensation in a Medical Malpractice Claim

Medical malpractice plaintiffs can pursue a variety of damages in their claims. Compensation is meant to address the losses you’ve faced, which isn’t limited to just tangible financial losses. Determining the full extent of your losses is a key part of preparing a case, and our attorneys can carefully explore every aspect, so that not even a penny is overlooked.

Potential areas of recovery in a medical malpractice case include:

Medical expenses: Various medical expenses can include the cost of treatment required to address the malpractice injury, rehabilitation, surgeries, and any future medical care.
Lost income and earning potential: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may recover lost wages as well as damages for diminished earning capacity if your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by substandard medical care.
Wrongful death damages: For families who have tragically lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, available damages may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

Do Many Medical Malpractice Cases Go to Trial?

Medical malpractice claims are often more complex than other personal injury cases and are more likely to proceed to trial. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our team is experienced in handling any medical malpractice claim, even those that seem like they will end up in court for litigation. We prepare every case fully, ready to take it to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached, providing knowledgeable and determined representation throughout the process.

A medical malpractice claim might be more likely to go to trial if it deals with:

Disputed liability: Defendants, including hospitals, doctors, and their insurers, often dispute claims to protect their reputations and avoid financial liability.
Higher financial stakes: Medical malpractice cases tend to involve significant compensation amounts due to the severity of the injuries, which can create more resistance from the defense.
Complex evidence: Proving malpractice requires expert medical testimony, substantial evidence, and detailed documentation, which can lead to drawn-out litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Washington?

In most instances, a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date the negligent act occurred or within one year from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, whichever period expires later. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the facts of the case.

Do I need an expert witness to prove medical malpractice?

Yes. Most medical malpractice cases in Washington require testimony from a qualified medical expert who can establish the applicable standard of care, explain how it was breached, and show how the breach caused the patient’s injuries.

Can I sue a hospital for medical malpractice?

A hospital may be held liable if the negligent provider was an employee of the hospital, if the hospital failed to properly supervise medical staff, or if the hospital itself acted negligently in providing care.

What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Washington follows a pure comparative fault system. This means an injured patient may still recover damages even if they were partially responsible, though the total compensation could be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Should I speak with a lawyer before contacting the hospital or insurance company?

Yes. Hospitals and insurance companies often act to limit their liability. Consulting with an experienced Washington medical malpractice attorney can help defend your rights and ensure important evidence is preserved.

Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorney in Yakima Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by the negligence of a healthcare provider, depend on Carpenter & Zuckerman today for legal counsel. Our Yakima medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to holding medical professionals and institutions accountable for their actions by fighting tirelessly for the full compensation our clients need and deserve.

Don’t wait to start your claim with our Yakima medical malpractice lawyer. Call (509) 978-6287 now and ask for a no-cost case review.

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our testimonials

Their Words. Their Wins.

"I would highly recommend Lance and his associates"
Lance was always professional and courteous to me and fought hard on my behalf.

- Tyler R.
"Lance recovered 2 million dollars in my case"
Lance showed great compassion toward my health and well-being.

- Scott C.
"Very informative, consistent, and always pleasant to speak to"
CZ made the process very smooth and pain-free.

- Former Client
"The most organized team"
They communicate quickly. Very friendly. Hardworking.

- Elianna S.
"I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs legal advice."
They walked me through every step of the way

- Jesse P.
"I never felt like I was battling my own attorney"
Well-oiled and efficient machine

- Tim U.
"They were courteous, prompt, and always kept in touch"
They were able to get more than double what the first firm was able to get for me.

- Leah D.
"Had a great experience CZ handling my case."
They worked tremendously fast in settling my case

- Lupita E.

your fight starts here

cases we handle

Birth Injuries

Serious Injuries Demand Serious Advocates A dedicated team with the experience, resolve, and resources to match your challenges

If you’re facing the physical, emotional, or financial fallout of a serious injury, you deserve a legal team that treats your case like it matters most. We’re here to fight for your recovery, protect your rights, and pursue every dollar of justice you’re owed.

Your Case Matters

Your Toughest Advocate reach out now, we're ready to help

Over $2 Billion won

Helping Injured Clients Since 1995

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