Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical Malpractice & Negligence Attorneys in Atlanta, GA
We trust doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers with our most precious possession: our health and well-being. While an overwhelming majority strive to provide the best possible care to heal you when you are sick or injured, mistakes caused by negligence are increasingly common.
When a healthcare provider’s negligence or failure to provide the proper care causes an injury or additional suffering, you are entitled to compensation. At The Fitzpatrick Firm, our medical malpractice attorney is unafraid to hold those responsible for your suffering accountable, and we are dedicated to helping you get the settlement you deserve.
Comprender la negligencia médica en Atlanta
Medical malpractice is an incredibly complicated area of personal injury law and navigating this area requires a great deal of experience and knowledge.
In Georgia, four key elements must be present in order for a court to determine if a medical malpractice case occurred:
Duty
El profesional de la salud o el proveedor fue encargado de atenderle o ver sus necesidades médicas. Por ejemplo, su médico de cabecera, una enfermera asignada para atenderle durante una visita a la sala de urgencias o un farmacéutico que le surte una receta tienen la obligación de proporcionarle una atención estándar.
Abandono del deber
Malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional is derelict in their duty to provide you with a standard of care that is the same level as other healthcare providers out in the field and aligns with recognized medical standards. Common examples include:
-Injuries during childbirth
-Failure to diagnose
-Misdiagnosis
-Lack of follow-up care
-Prescription errors
-Surgical errors
-Unnecessary surgery
-Release from care too soon
-Failing to take the patient’s medical history
-Disregarding patient information
Daños y perjuicios
Once a dereliction of duty occurs, a serious illness, wrongful death, or injury must result. If a healthcare provider acted with negligence, but you didn’t suffer long-term effects or severe complications, this would not be considered medical malpractice. Damages include:
-Inability to work
-Long term disability
-Chronic pain
-Emotional distress
-Significant medical costs
-Ongoing care and treatment
Causa directa
Por último, debe probarse que los efectos nocivos o las lesiones sufridas se atribuyen directamente al incumplimiento del deber.
Estos cuatro criterios deben cumplirse para recibir una indemnización por daños y perjuicios, una compensación monetaria, por su lesión.
Why Choose Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys?
Medical Malpractice Attorney Nathan Fitzpatrick
Testimonials from Atlanta Medical Malpractice Victims
Cómo elegir el abogado de negligencia médica adecuado para su caso
Determining and proving medical malpractice can be incredibly challenging and expensive. Insurance companies handling medical malpractice claims on behalf of the doctor or hospital are aggressive in the defense of their clients in order to prevent paying out settlements. Making it even more challenging, a medical malpractice lawsuit in Atlanta cannot move forward without an affidavit from a physician attached to the complaint. You’ll need a qualified, aggressive medical malpractice attorney working on your side before your case can even go to trial.
Experience and Specialization in Medical Malpractice Cases:
Not all personal injury lawyers have the specific experience needed to handle medical malpractice cases. Look for experienced medical malpractice attorneys or firm that specializes in this area and has a proven track record of successfully litigating similar cases. They should understand the nuances of medical malpractice law, including the need for expert medical testimonies and the complexities of proving negligence or deviation from standard care.
Access to Medical Experts:
Medical malpractice cases heavily rely on expert testimony to establish that a healthcare provider’s actions deviated from accepted medical standards. A good atlanta medical malpractice attorney should have established relationships with reputable medical experts who can provide credible testimonies to support your case. Without this critical component, it can be challenging to prove that negligence occurred.
Thorough Understanding of Medical Records and Procedures:
The medical malpractice attorney you choose should not only be familiar with legal statutes but also have a solid understanding of medical procedures, terminology, and records. This knowledge is essential in identifying inconsistencies or errors that may point to malpractice. An attorney who can navigate complex medical records efficiently will be more adept at building a strong case on your behalf.
Willingness to Go to Trial:
Insurance companies representing healthcare providers are often unwilling to settle medical malpractice claims for a fair amount. They have extensive resources and aggressive defense strategies to protect their clients. Finding medical malpractice lawyers who are not only willing but prepared to take your case to trial is crucial. They should have a reputation for being formidable in court, as this can often lead to better settlement offers.
Transparent Communication and Compassion:
Medical malpractice cases can be emotionally and physically draining for victims and their families. An attorney who is empathetic, listens to your concerns, and communicates clearly about the progress and possible outcomes of your case is invaluable. Your medical malpractice lawyers should be straightforward about the challenges ahead and provide realistic expectations without overpromising.
Track Record of Success in Medical Malpractice Cases:
Look for an attorney or firm with a history of securing substantial settlements or verdicts in medical malpractice cases. This track record can indicate their competence and ability to navigate the legal complexities of these cases. Review testimonials, case results, and any publicized awards to gauge their expertise.
Adequate Resources and Support Team:
Medical malpractice cases often require significant time, money, and resources to build and pursue effectively. A good law firm will have the financial stability, experienced support staff, and necessary resources to investigate your claim thoroughly, obtain expert witnesses, and manage the case through lengthy litigation if needed.
At The Fitzpatrick Firm, we have a team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers who can help you understand your case and determine how much it’s worth. Just as important, we aren’t afraid to take your case in front of a jury because we work with medical experts who can provide insight into your medical records, and help us hold negligent providers accountable for your pain and suffering. We have a dedicated team with the resources to fight on your behalf and secure maximum recovery for your case.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre negligencia médica
What Is Medical Malpractice?
La mala praxis médica se refiere a la práctica negligente o descuidada de la medicina. Puede ser por parte de un médico, un dentista o cualquier otra persona con licencia médica. Las palabras clave aquí son "negligente" o "descuidado". La medicina no es una ciencia exacta, y el diagnóstico puede implicar una variedad de factores diferentes. Aunque la mayoría de los diagnósticos médicos son rutinarios, las complicaciones o el historial médico anterior o cualquier otro elemento pueden causar un diagnóstico erróneo. Para que se trate de una mala praxis, debe demostrarse que el diagnóstico está fuera de la práctica habitual. Dado que este puede ser un procedimiento complejo y a veces delicado, su abogado especializado en negligencia médica ha recibido una amplia formación, tanto en el aula como en la práctica.
Are Medical Malpractice Cases Like Other Personal Injury Cases?
Medical malpractice actions are extremely complicated and expensive to pursue. The insurance companies that handle claims on behalf of the physicians and other medical professionals are very aggressive in defending claims against medical malpractice victims, the physicians and hospitals they insure. In addition, the physician generally must consent to any settlement. This results in many serious malpractice cases never being litigated. In the State of Georgia, a medical malpractice lawsuit cannot even be commenced unless the affidavit of a physician setting forth the negligence of the Defendant is attached to the complaint. Since many physicians will not give an affidavit against a fellow physician in the same city, a nationwide search for an expert to testify for the injured person may be required.
How Are Medical Malpractice Cases Established?
El proceso para demostrar que un diagnóstico o tratamiento fue una mala praxis o que el tratamiento del paciente fue de alguna manera fuera de lo normal, puede ser extremadamente complejo. Por lo general, implicará el testimonio de un médico no involucrado en el diagnóstico original. Esto puede ser difícil de obtener, ya que los médicos pueden sentirse obligados a proteger a los miembros de su propia profesión o a las organizaciones locales. A veces la prueba puede requerir una consulta con un médico de otro estado para obtener el segundo diagnóstico necesario. Su abogado puede ayudarle a contactar con las personas adecuadas y a obtener opiniones médicas que tengan peso en su caso.
Is it Medical Malpractice?
Not every medical error can be considered a case of medical malpractice however. There are two key elements in determining if a medical situation falls into the malpractice category.
First, it is necessary to determine the normal standard of medical care for your condition in the location where it occurred. Second, your legal team must show how the doctor or other medical practitioner fell short of that standard.
This is why medical experts are so vital to a medical malpractice lawsuit. An added question that must be answered is how the error has affected you. Medical mistakes can range from misplaced decimals (which can be scary with certain types of medicines) to surgery gone wrong. Once the malpractice has been established, the next step is to place a dollar value on the resultant difficulty. Malpractice can even include inappropriate disclosure of personal information – something that can have far-reaching results.
Su abogado de negligencia médica trabaja para usted
Your medical malpractice lawyer must engage in extensive training just to begin practice. Your experienced medical malpractice lawyer has a vested interest in applying all due diligence to your situation. He or she can probably quickly establish whether you have a real case or not. Once that is determined, your lawyer will work conscientiously on your behalf. The money will not compensate for the loss of physical proficiency or loss of life, but it can help fill in the financial hardships that can be incurred. For some types of cases, these can be considerable.
They can include not only the added expenses incurred because of the malpractice, and future medical expenses, but can also include loss of income, and even monetary compensation for emotional anguish. Your medical malpractice lawyer will be able to guide you through the correct responses to receive the just amount of compensation for your circumstance.
Abogado especialista en negligencia laboral
Once established a law firm, the lawyer will work diligently on behalf of patients who have to believe they have been misdiagnosed, incorrectly treated, or have sustained an injury from a medical procedure. They work with medical experts, take depositions from qualified experts, gather and analyze medical reports concerning cases, help with setting up independent medical examinations, do medical research related to the patient’s condition, and work with legal nurse consultants to analyze the available material pertaining to a case.
Los abogados especializados en negligencias suelen cobrar honorarios de contingencia, es decir, un porcentaje de los honorarios que se le conceden a usted.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one are in need of consultation in regards to serious personal injury or a potential medical malpractice claim, please contact The Fitzpatrick Firm at (678) 607-5550 or fill out the form below and one of our experienced Atlanta Medical Malpractice attorneys will call you immediately.