Colorado Malpractice Law
According to ExpertLaw.com, medical malpractice occurs "when a health care provider violates the governing standard of care when providing treatment to a patient, causing the patient to suffer an injury."
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Limits on Damages
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Under Colorado statutes, awards of non-economic damages may not exceed $300,000 and the total damage award is not to surpass $1,000,000.
Statute of Limitations
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Any malpractice suits must be brought forward within 2 years after the day of the injury unless the malpractice action was concealed, a foreign object was left in the patient's body, or the physical injury was not apparent to a reasonable person.
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Vicarious Liability
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In the state of Colorado, a physician offering medical services within a hospital bears the principal responsibility for actions taken; therefore, hospitals are not usually responsible for the negligence of independently-contracted doctors.
Expert Witnesses
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Within 60 days after bringing forth a complaint, the claimant must file a certificate of review, which states that an expert was consulted and that he is competent to express an opinion concerning the alleged negligence.
Joint and Several Liability
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According to ExpertLaw.com, if more than one defendant is found liable for the injury suffered by the plaintiff, each is individually responsible for the full amount of the judgment.
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References
Resources
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