If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice in Atlanta, it is important to know your legal rights and options. Medical malpractice can occur whenever a medical professional breaches the professional standard of care and causes harm to a patient.
Why Choose Our Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex legal system and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Medical Malpractice in Atlanta?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to provide medical care that a reasonable medical professional would have provided under the same or similar circumstances, resulting in harm to the patient. It is important to note that a bad medical outcome does not necessarily mean medical malpractice occurred. To prove medical malpractice, the patient must show that the medical professional breached the professional standard of care and that their injuries are a direct result of that breach.
Common Causes of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can result from a medical professional’s failure to perform their duties competently. Some of the most common causes of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose
Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a medical condition can be a devastating form of medical malpractice. When a medical professional fails to diagnose a condition or misdiagnoses a condition, the patient may not receive the treatment they need, and their condition may worsen over time. - Surgical Errors
Surgical errors can occur when a surgeon fails to perform a procedure correctly, uses the wrong surgical technique, or causes an injury during surgery. Surgical errors can cause significant harm to patients, including nerve damage, infection, and other complications. - Medication Errors
Medication errors can occur when a medical professional prescribes the wrong medication, provides the wrong dosage, or fails to account for a patient’s allergies or other medical conditions. Medication errors can cause serious harm, including organ damage, overdose, and even death. - Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur when medical professionals fail to provide appropriate care during childbirth. Birth injuries can range from minor injuries, such as bruises and cuts, to more severe injuries, such as cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions. - Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
Nursing home neglect or abuse can occur when medical professionals fail to provide adequate care to nursing home residents. Neglect or abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect of basic care needs.
Other common causes of medical malpractice include emergency room mistakes, anesthesia errors, lack of informed consent, and medical record mistakes.
What to Do After Medical Malpractice in Atlanta
If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Atlanta, you may be able to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit against the medical professional or facility responsible for your care. Here are some steps you can take to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation:
- Write down the names of all the medical professionals involved
- Gather medical records for the dates of service involved
- Get an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer involved as soon as possible
Who Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice?
A medical malpractice claim can be filed against any medical professional or facility that provided substandard care that led to the harm you suffered. This includes:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Urgent care facilities
Damages Recoverable After Medical Malpractice in Georgia
Victims of medical malpractice in Georgia can seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages, including but not limited to the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of love, companionship, and affection if the victim dies
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from time off work
- Funeral and burial expenses
The Legal Requirements for Medical Malpractice Claims in Atlanta, Georgia
In Georgia, medical malpractice claims are subject to strict legal requirements. To prove medical malpractice, you must show that:
- Duty: The medical professional had a duty to provide you with a reasonable standard of care
- Breach of Duty: The medical professional committed a breach of duty by failing to provide you with a reasonable standard of care
- Injury: The breach of duty caused you injury
- Actual Damages: You suffered actual damages as a result of the injury
The Time Limit For Medical Malpractice Claims in Georgia
Medical malpractice claims in Georgia are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the date of the injury or the date on which you discovered the injury. Failure to file within this time frame can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
The Difficulty With Medical Malpractice Claims
The complexities involved in pursuing a medical malpractice claim make it imperative for claimants to seek the services of a competent legal professional. Even the slightest mistake could have significant implications, potentially jeopardizing the entire case. Only an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer possesses the necessary experience to navigate the intricacies of such claims.
Additionally, medical malpractice cases can prove to be financially draining. Claimants are often required to engage medical experts to provide evidence that their injuries were a direct result of the medical professional’s negligence. The cost of retaining such professionals can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, making it crucial for victims of medical malpractice to select a lawyer who specializes in such claims and possesses the financial resources to engage the necessary experts to pursue their case effectively.
How A Medical Malpractice Attorney in Atlanta Can Help
It is crucial that victims of medical malpractice in Atlanta contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Insurance adjusters and lawyers for the liable medical professional will already be working to minimize their clients’ liability, and victims need representation to protect their rights and ensure they receive full compensation for their damages.
At our law firm, we understand the devastating impact that medical malpractice can have on patients and their families, and we are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
We have extensive experience representing clients in all types of medical malpractice cases, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, and nursing home neglect and abuse. We work closely with medical experts to build strong cases for our clients, and we are not afraid to take on even the largest medical professionals and insurance companies.
Contact Our Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
Medical malpractice claims are complex and require knowledge of the law, medical procedures, and medical ethics. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Atlanta have the skills and experience to represent victims of medical malpractice and hold medical professionals accountable for their negligence.
If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice in Atlanta, contact Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates, P.C. Call today at (770) 865-8654 or contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Georgia. We charge no fee unless we win compensation for you. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.