DID MEDICAL MALPRACTICE OCCUR?
If you had a negative experience with a healthcare provider, you may be unsure if your situation actually qualifies as medical malpractice. You’re probably wondering if you have any legal options to pursue justice.
Our medical malpractice attorneys in Los Angeles are happy to review your case and help you determine if malpractice occurred. We are dedicated to holding doctors, hospitals, medical centers, and plastic surgery offices accountable for their actions or failure to act.
You may have been the victim of medical malpractice if:
- You were discharged from the hospital too early
- Your doctor made a mistake during surgery or performed an unnecessary surgery
- Anesthesia was misused
- A doctor failed to diagnose your condition within a reasonable amount of time
- You were prescribed the wrong medication
- Your doctor misread or misinterpreted your test results
These are just a few common examples of medical malpractice, which can be carried out in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, if a medical professional failed to meet a reasonable standard of care, they can be held liable for your personal injuries.
Understanding Available Damages in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
When a healthcare provider’s negligence causes you harm, state law allows you to pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses, not just your immediate medical bills. Medical malpractice victims may be entitled to recover economic damages, which cover the tangible financial losses tied to the malpractice. This includes:
- The cost of current and future medical treatment made necessary by the negligent care
- Lost income if your injuries have prevented you from working
- Diminished earning capacity if your ability to support yourself and your family has been permanently affected.
You may also have the right to seek non-economic damages for losses that are harder to quantify but are no less significant. Chronic pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the lasting psychological toll of a serious medical injury are all recognized under state law. If your injuries have affected your relationship with a spouse or domestic partner, you may also be eligible to pursue loss of consortium damages.
One important consideration is that California imposes specific limitations on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. This makes it all the more important to have a skilled attorney in your corner who knows how to build a compelling case and pursue every dollar you are owed. At LNN, our medical malpractice lawyers in Los Angeles are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation available to each and every client.
What Qualities and Credentials Should You Look For in a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Medical malpractice cases are among the most demanding personal injury claims. They require your attorney to go up against well-funded hospitals, powerful insurance carriers, and experienced defense teams that will work hard to minimize or deny your claim. Selecting the right legal representation is one of the most consequential decisions you will make throughout this process. Below, we have provided some tips for what to consider when hiring a lawyer.
Genuine Trial Experience is Essential
Some law firms prioritize quick settlements over pursuing optimal results. You want an attorney who is fully prepared to take your case before a jury if that is what it takes to secure fair compensation. Defense-side insurers pay close attention to which attorneys are willing to fight and which ones are not, and their settlement offers typically reflect that knowledge.
A Demonstrated Track Record in Medical Malpractice
This area of law requires a thorough command of medical standards of care, the ability to identify and work with credible expert witnesses, and familiarity with California’s procedural requirements for malpractice litigation. Before hiring any attorney, ask about outcomes achieved in cases that are similar to yours.
Clear, Consistent Communication
You deserve an attorney who keeps you informed at every stage and treats your case with the attention it deserves.
Can the Firm Adequately Handle Your Case?
Consider whether the firm has the resources to see complex litigation through to completion. Malpractice cases often require significant investment in investigation, expert consultation, and case preparation. A firm that lacks those resources may be inclined to settle prematurely, leaving money on the table that rightfully belongs to you.
Our Los Angeles medical malpractice attorneys bring all of these qualities to every case we handle.
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