People often look to physicians and other healthcare providers in times of need. They trust these individuals to properly diagnose and treat whatever injury or illness they present with. Nonetheless, in the most unfortunate circumstances, these trusted sources of medical care act negligently, causing the patient even more harm.
If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, Foster Law LLC, is here to help.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is when a doctor or other healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care expected of them, causing injury to their patient. This deviation can occur due to a provider’s negligence or intentional actions. When you, as a patient, suffer harm due to medical malpractice, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. A knowledgeable Atlanta and Mobile medical malpractice lawyer can help get you on the right track to financial recovery.
Common Examples of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can happen in a variety of different settings and various ways. Some of the most common occurrences of medical malpractice include:
- Failure to properly diagnose or misdiagnosis,
- Surgical error,
- Unnecessary surgery,
- Poor follow-up care,
- Misreading medical test results,
- Failure to take patient medical history,
- Improper medication or dosage,
- Issues with the administration of anesthesia,
- Premature discharge, and
- Defective medical devices or products.
These situations and many others can lead to significant injury for a patient. If you believe you’ve suffered harm due to medical malpractice, it is best to discuss your situation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia or Mobile, Alabama.
Proving Medical Malpractice
When you approach your attorney with your case, they can help you prove the medical malpractice occurred. To prove malpractice caused your injuries, you must satisfy the following elements:
- The doctor or healthcare provider owed you a duty of care;
- They breached this duty of care;
- This breach caused you harm; and
- The harm resulted in damages, including extensive medical bills and pain and suffering.
Depending on your situation, medical malpractice can be challenging to prove. However, your qualified Atlanta or Mobile medical malpractice lawyer will work diligently to prove the malpractice occurred to help get you the recovery you need.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
While you may assume only doctors can be held responsible for their actions, this is not the case. Because medical diagnosis and treatment often require so many healthcare professionals, many individuals and entities may be held liable for your injuries. These include:
- Doctors,
- Nurses,
- Radiologists,
- Anesthesiologists,
- Pharmacists,
- Hospitals,
- Nursing homes,
- Rehabilitation facilities, and
- Pharmaceutical companies.
Generally, any person or entity that had a direct effect on your injuries could be held responsible. Your medical malpractice lawyer can review the details of your case to ensure these individuals and entities are held accountable for their actions.
There Is a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
If you’ve suffered an injury due to medical malpractice and wish to seek compensation, it is important to keep in mind you have a limited amount of time to file your lawsuit. Statutes of limitations exist to limit the amount of time you have to file your claim. In both Georgia and Alabama, victims of medical malpractice only have 2 years from the date the malpractice occurred to file their lawsuit. However, in some instances, the 2 years may begin on the date the patient actually discovered his or her injuries.
It is best to discuss your case with your Atlanta or Mobile medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to avoid forfeiting your right to financial recovery.
Consult with a Knowledgeable Atlanta or Mobile Medical Malpractice Attorney
At Foster Law LLC, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to prove medical malpractice claims. We know what you are going through, and we want to help. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Georgia or Alabama medical malpractice attorney.