Washington Injury Law Blog

Former Seattle Seahawk Shawn Springs’ mother has filed a medical malpractice case against two Texas doctors who performed a surgical procedure on Shawn’s father Ron Springs. Shawn’s father also played in NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys. One of Ron’s former teammates Everson Walls donated a kidney to Ron in an inspirational gesture last March. A wonderful story appears to have ended in a tragedy.

Mrs. Springs’ lawsuit alleges Ron went in for a follow up procedure to remove a cyst on his arm in October 2007 and he came out of the procedure in a coma. Ron has been left in a state of physical and mental incapacity. The hospital and doctors apparently have refused to explain want happened prompting the medical malpractice lawsuit.

I have no information about the validity of Mrs. Springs malpractice case. It could have great merit or not. What I do know is that the public often has a distorted view of medical malpractice cases. The media loves to air stories about celebrities or huge verdicts. However the reality of the complex area of medical malpractice law is a much different picture. Many malpractice plaintiffs never recover a dime. Studies have shown that over 50% of the time doctors win a medical malpractice case taken to a jury trial.

It’s the doctors and hospitals little known secret of medical malpractice cases that they’re more often than not the winner of these lawsuits. Injury victims have big obstacles to overcome in proving a doctor or hospital committed a medical error that shouldn’t have happened. Plus these cases commonly cost a small fortune to prosecute. It’s a sad fact that only patients who suffer a significant injury as a result a doctor or hospital error can find an attorney to take their case. The cost to bring a medical malpractice case limits many attorneys to only accepting the most severely injured patients, while patients with minor injuries are often left with little options. 

Don’t buy into the media hype and publicity regarding medical malpractice cases. The truth is that these cases are some of the most difficult an attorney will ever handle and the patient will more often than not be the loser. If you believe you have a medical malpractice case it’s imperative that you speak with an attorney who is experienced with medical malpractice cases in your area.