Sacramento Medical Malpractice Lawyer
It’s your right to expect your doctor to take your health as seriously as you do. When healthcare negligence results in injury or illness, seek compensation with help from a Sacramento medical malpractice lawyer.
Medical malpractice lawsuits are filed in the thousands every year throughout the United States. Negligent doctors, nurses, and healthcare facilities can cause considerable injury and even death to the patients they serve if proper protocols and techniques aren’t used when treating a patient. Professional negligence can have devastating consequences for patients and their family members.
Although some treatments and surgeries are considered high risk, and may therefore fail or otherwise go wrong simply due to the way the human body operates, many of the same procedures fail because someone neglected to do his or her job properly.
If you are one of the thousands of patients who have been harmed by the healthcare industry, you have options and may be entitled to financial compensation. A Sacramento medical malpractice lawyer from Crowell Law Offices can help you seek compensation for losses or possibly even the reversal of medical bills related to your case.
Medical Malpractice Liability
The issue of liability in medical malpractice suits is complex and frequently difficult even for lawyers to navigate. In short, just because something goes wrong, it does not necessarily mean that a healthcare professional was responsible. Negligence is determined by investigating the situation and evaluating whether a healthcare professional did (or failed to do) something specific that led to the negative outcome.
Examples of Medical Malpractice
For example, if a doctor prescribes the wrong medication after a surgery because he or she is distracted and you have an allergic reaction even though your allergies are clearly listed in your chart, this situation could easily be considered medical malpractice. Other common factors of medical malpractice might include the following:
- Poor patient monitoring
- Lack of timely treatment
- Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose patients
- Incorrect treatment
- Wrong or defective medication
Each of these examples plays an important role in patient prognosis, and can significantly reduce the chances of patients recovering from their illness or injury. Your chart, any investigative record, and a timeline of treatments and tests can all be used to help demonstrate negligence. And, if someone else’s negligence caused you harm, whether it was by a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Who Is At Fault for Medical Malpractice?
Once negligence is determined, deciding who must be sued is the next step. Most physicians and nurses maintain liability insurance. Depending on the nature of your case, it may be either the medical professional themselves or the insurance company you have to sue.
In some cases, such as if a faulty implant or mesh caused the problem, it may be the manufacturer of the product who is sued rather than the doctor. In other cases, if a medical professional forges or lies about their certification, it may be the hospital who is sued for employing the person in the first place.
It can be difficult determining exactly who is at fault in these situations. Working with a Sacramento medical malpractice lawyer will enable you to sort through these complex scenarios with as little stress as possible.
Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
To make matters more difficult with medical malpractice cases, there is also a statute of limitations, so you could actually run out of time and not be able to file a claim. In California, you usually only have one year in which to file suit after you discover the injury, or you must file your medical malpractice claim within three years of the date of the injury, whichever comes first.
The problem is that many injuries and illnesses aren’t detected right away or connected to a specific medical service or procedure immediately. If you have even the slightest suspicion that medical malpractice might be involved, you should consult a qualified Sacramento medical malpractice lawyer. Don’t risk running out of time to file your claim.
Help from an Experienced Sacramento Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When it comes to medical malpractice, you could find yourself up against a number of medical professionals and other entities. Navigating a medical malpractice claim by yourself can make things even more challenging for you and your family. Furthermore, even if you are offered a settlement, it may not even be close to the amount you are entitled to. Make sure you have someone on your side to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured or harmed because of medical malpractice, the attorneys at Crowell Law Offices can help. Schedule your free consultation and fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call our office at 916-303-2800 immediately.