What Happens When You Are Injured as a Result of Medical Negligence
When a person falls ill, is injured, or otherwise needs medical care, he or she will rely on a licensed doctor, nurse, and/or hospital to help him or her get better. While the vast majority of medical professionals will ensure they provide the best care for their patients, some are careless or negligent and this can have very serious consequences.
In California, when a medical care provider fails to provide a reasonable duty of care to a patient, the injured patient has the right to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the medical care provider. If you or a loved one has been injured by a medical caregiver, it is critical to seek the legal support of a knowledgeable law firm as soon as possible. Medical malpractice cases can be difficult to pursue and an experienced attorney can help establish a strong case against a negligent medical practitioner.
A Leading Cause of Death and Injury for Americans
According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins, medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Data that was collected over an eight-year period demonstrated that more than 250,000 deaths a year were caused as a result of medical error. Johns Hopkins claims that although the CDC is tasked with collecting this information, the agency misclassified medical errors, which has led to a misreporting.
According to Johns Hopkins, medical mistakes, diagnostic errors, and the absence of safety nets could lead to a person’s death. This accounts for nearly 10% of all deaths every year.
Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in California
There are a wide-range of situations that could give rise to a medical malpractice case in California, including: The failure to diagnose the patient; A misdiagnosis; Performing an unnecessary surgery; The failure to provide treatment in a timely manner; Making mistakes during the surgery; Failure to properly monitor a patient during surgery; A failure to refer the patient to a specialist; Insufficient medical staffing; and A hospital’s negligence in hiring properly trained staff.
Determine If You Have a Valid Claim
Proving medical malpractice is a multifaceted process. To achieve a successful claim, the following must be established:
- A doctor and patient relationship existed between the parties;
- The medical care provider owed the injured party a duty of care;
- The medical care provider violated the duty of care;
- The breach in duty led to the patient’s injuries;
- Economic damages were caused as a result.
Obtain the Legal Support of a Knowledgeable Medical Malpractice Attorney
Filing a medical malpractice case can be challenging and to achieve a successful outcome, it is critical to obtain the legal support of a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney. If you were injured after being treated by a licensed medical professional in California, you have a right to seek compensation. Contact a skilled attorney who will advocate on your behalf.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP is a highly skilled law firm, with dedicated experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases. After being injured by a negligent medical professional, consider obtaining the legal support of the law firm. Obtain a free consultation with the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP today.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.