Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
Table of Contents
Doctor be Sued for Pain and Suffering?
Medical professionals are required by law to uphold an appropriate standard of care as outlined by the laws in the state in which they practice medicine. While the vast majority of doctors accomplish this goal, some fail to do so and a patient is seriously injured as a result. The following is an overview of how an injured patient can seek compensation from the negligent doctor who hurt them. If you have suffered an injury in this manner, contact a personal injury attorney today to learn what options you have under the law.
When Can a Doctor Be Sued?
Doctors treat many patients each week and not every mistake they make qualifies as medical malpractice. In order to receive compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove your doctor was careless or negligent and seriously hurt you as a result. While this may seem like an easy task, it can be difficult in cases where several doctors worked together or a diagnosis was unclear. For these reasons, it is best to have a personal injury lawyer you trust working with you to prove your injuries were due to medical malpractice.
Common Medical Mistakes That Lead to Lawsuits
While there are a variety of scenarios that may lead to a patient’s injury, some are more likely to occur than others. Some of the most typical mistakes in these cases are:
- Missed diagnosis
- Delayed diagnosis
- Documentation errors
- Failure to communicate orders to nursing staff
- Errors made during surgical procedures
- Medication mistakes
What Damages May I Win?
Every medical malpractice case is different, so it is difficult to know exactly what kinds of damages you could be awarded if you win your case. However, some of the most common damages in these types of lawsuits often include:
- Unpaid medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages if you are permanently or temporarily disabled
- Therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
What a Lawyer Can Do For You
If you are considering filing a lawsuit against your doctor for medical malpractice, it may benefit you greatly to have experienced legal representation. Your doctor will certainly have lawyers working to protect his interests, so you should protect your own. A few things a lawyer may do to prove your case are:
- Hire investigators
- Obtain your medical records
- Speak with experts about your prognosis
- Negotiate a settlement before trial
- File court documents
- Represent you during trial
If you or someone you care about has been hurt due to the negligence of a medical professional, contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn if you have a valid claim. After reviewing the evidence in your case and your injuries, your attorney will let you know if a lawsuit is possible. While a monetary settlement cannot restore your health, it can give you the resources to move ahead after your recovery has ended.
Patterson Bray
1.
20+ Years of Experience
2.
24/7 Call Answering
3.
Nashville & Memphis Offices
We're Here to Help
Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.
Practice Areas
Client Reviews
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had an outstanding experience with this firm across multiple needs, including trust document creation and forming an LLC. From start to finish, they were professional and proactive. They made sure we understood every step of the process and checked in to confirm our preferences, as well as offering thoughtful alternatives whenever something didn’t feel like a good fit. That level of communication and attention to detail is rare. Every interaction built confidence that we were in the right hands. They not only handled the legal work effectively, but also made the entire process feel manageable and well-guided. We cannot recommend them highly enough and will absolutely continue using them in the future.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Judith Denham and her legal assistant, Gaby Wright, made a great team in creating a trust for me. Judith explained everything in a clear, cohesive way and set up a trust in a timely manner. She gave me a binder for my trust with all the legal paperwork sectioned off in tabs so I can find things easily. When I had questions, Judith and Gaby were responsive and helpful. I give them my highest recommendation.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so pleased with my new relationship with Judith Dunham and her fantastic team! They helped me create a Trust and end of life documents that I understand and feel very comfortable with. It’s a relief to have this life task well updated and I’m very grateful to Judith, Gabby and the whole team! If you’re looking for very professional, reliable assistance with these type documents, they are wonderful!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This website was clear and easy to navigate. It does a good job of explaining services and further supports itself with testimonials.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a few (what I would consider) silly questions to ask the legal team at Patterson Bray PLLC. Having very little knowledge of the situation I needed clarity on, I had no idea what to expect. I was met with nothing but professionalism and warmth from attorney Rachel Meadows. She gave me information I didn’t even remotely consider, and my questions were thoroughly answered without judgement. She could have certainly given me less detailed responses, but I felt that she genuinely cared about my situation, and appreciated her taking me seriously. I’m extremely impressed with the service I received from this law firm and will happily recommend it.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After bringing up my specific legal issue, I was quickly and throughly informed on how to get started with hiring an attorney as well as informed on whether or not I have a claim to begin with. They answered all of my questions professionally to a point that I feel extremely satisfied with using their services.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very clearly explained their pricing structure. Rachel was wonderful to speak with.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carlisle Dale was very helpful with Estate Planning; outlined strategy, estimates and followed-up promptly with well organized deliverables. Thank you!
Connect With Us Today
Let's plan for what
comes next.
comes next.
