Medical Malpractice
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We trust surgeons, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to make us better. That's why it can be so upsetting when these healthcare providers make mistakes that result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one was harmed, you don't have to be alone in your pursuit of justice.
The attorneys at Johnson Greer Law Group have dedicated our careers to standing up for the rights of people harmed by medical professionals in the Atlanta area and throughout Georgia. If you suspect healthcare provider negligence, you have options. We can discuss them when you contact us and schedule a free case evaluation.
The consequences of mistakes made by medical professionals can be serious. You or a loved one might need further medical care to treat additional injuries. Your health might even be permanently affected. And in certain extreme cases, some people die as a result of mistakes made by medical professionals.
FAQs about medical malpractice
- What is medical malpractice?
- What are common cases of medical malpractice?
- What should I do if I’m a victim of medical malpractice?
- How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
- How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit?
- What is informed consent, and why does it matter in medical malpractice?
- Who can be held liable in a medical malpractice case?
- What damages can I recover in a medical malpractice case?
- Do I need an attorney to file a medical malpractice claim?
- How long do medical malpractice cases take?
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets accepted medical standards, and that failure causes harm to a patient. This can include mistakes in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication administration, or patient monitoring.
What are common cases of medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice can take many unfortunate forms. People of all ages - the elderly, children and adults - are affected by mistakes made by health care professionals working in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Some of the most common cases we deal with involve:
- Home Healthcare Injuries
- Hospital Injuries & Infections
- Medical Misdiagnosis
- Medication Errors
- Medical Injuries
- Surgical Errors
Learn more about medical negligence on our page devoted to frequently asked questions about medical malpractice.
We're here to help you and your family get your lives back on track. Even if your case seems straightforward, don't assume you will be fairly compensated. Make sure you have an experienced attorney on your side, standing up for your rights. Contact Johnson Greer Law Group to schedule a free consultation. We're located in Decatur and serve clients throughout Georgia.
What should I do if I’m a victim of medical malpractice?
Every case is unique. But in many instances, the initial actions you take after an injury or illness caused by a medical professional are the same. Specifically, it’s critical that you:
- Seek immediate medical attention – If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury due to an error made by a medical professional, it’s important that you receive emergency medical treatment right away. If such injuries are not treated immediately, they could develop into an even more serious health problem.
- Document your injuries – Write down exactly how you feel. And if there are noticeable physical changes, take photographs of your injuries. That way, there won’t be any doubts later about the severity of your injuries.
- Contact our law firm – The sooner you contact us, the sooner our attorney can help you with your case. We have years of experience working with people injured by medical professionals, and we’re eager to work with you.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
You may have a case if you were injured due to a healthcare provider’s negligence. To have a valid medical malpractice case, four key elements must generally be present:
- Duty of care: The healthcare professional had a legal obligation to provide care to the patient. For example, a doctor or nurse treating you must follow accepted medical standards.
- Breach of duty: The healthcare professional failed to provide proper care or acted negligently. This could be a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or failure to monitor your condition properly.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injury or worsened your condition. There must be a clear connection between the medical mistake and the harm you experienced.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term disability. Without measurable harm, there typically isn’t a malpractice claim.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit?
The time you have to file a medical malpractice claim is called the statute of limitations, and it varies by state. In Georgia, you typically have 2 years from the date of the injury or from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that the injury was caused by medical negligence.
There are special rules and exceptions that may extend or shorten this period, such as for minors, cases involving delayed discovery of harm, or wrongful death claims. Speaking with a Georgia medical malpractice attorney can help ensure your lawsuit is filed correctly and on time. Missing the deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation completely.
What is informed consent, and why does it matter in medical malpractice?
Informed consent means a healthcare provider must explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a medical procedure or treatment before it’s performed, allowing the patient to make an educated decision. If a provider fails to obtain informed consent and harm occurs, it may constitute medical malpractice.
Who can be held liable in a medical malpractice case?
Liability can extend beyond just the doctor who provided care. Possible negligent parties include:
- Physicians and surgeons
- Nurses or nurse practitioners
- Hospitals or clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies (if a defective drug caused harm)
- Other healthcare professionals involved in your care
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you identify all liable parties.
What damages can I recover in a medical malpractice case?
Damages can include both economic and non-economic losses:
- Medical expenses: Past and future costs related to the injury
- Lost wages: Income lost due to recovery time or long-term disability
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by the injury
Your attorney can determine the total damages you suffered and build a strong case for compensation.
Do I need an attorney to file a medical malpractice claim?
Medical malpractice cases are often complicated, involving detailed medical records, expert testimony, and strict legal deadlines. While it’s technically possible to file a claim on your own, navigating the process without professional legal representation can be overwhelming and may put your chances of recovery at risk.
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can:
- Evaluate whether you have a strong case
- Gather medical records and expert opinions
- Navigate court procedures and insurance negotiations
- Maximize your potential recovery
Having an attorney on your side gives you guidance, peace of mind, and a much stronger chance of obtaining fair compensation.
How long do medical malpractice cases take?
Medical malpractice cases can take anywhere from one year to several years, depending on the complexity, the availability of medical records, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases involving serious injury or multiple defendants may take longer.
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can manage timelines, keep the case moving efficiently, and communicate clearly so you know what to expect throughout the process.
Contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.
Don't underestimate the complexity of your case. Even if a medical professional clearly made a mistake, don't assume you will be fairly compensated for your injuries. The person who made the mistake or an insurance company or hospital might deny any wrongdoing. Even if they admit responsibility, you may feel pressure to accept a lowball settlement. They may suggest you were at least partly to blame.
That's not right. But you can put the power of an experienced attorney to work for you. One of our attorneys can be with you every step of the way, from investigating your injury to filing a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary. We also know how to negotiate effectively with health care companies, insurance providers and anyone else who stands in the way of getting justice.
This may be your only opportunity to get the money you need and deserve for your losses. You shouldn't have to pay for someone else's mistakes. Make sure you and your family receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, follow-up care, additional operations, physical therapy and anything else you need to get better.
We care about your case and we want to help. Contact our law firm today.