Medical Malpractice Attorney Canton, GA

Your Legal Champions: Canton Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Mistakes made by medical professionals prove to be fatal for over 250,000 Americans each year. Trusting healthcare professionals with our health is necessary. Most of the time, Georgia’s doctors and nurses deliver high-quality care. However, mistakes can happen.

Patients and their families suffer the consequences. Common types of medical malpractice cases include misdiagnosis, poor follow-up or aftercare, and improper testing. Our Canton medical malpractice lawyers at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, offer legal advice and representation if medical negligence has injured you or someone you care about. We are recognized among the top medical malpractice lawyers and Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys, with experienced attorneys who have received accolades in the legal community. Our track record includes millions recovered for injured clients.

Pursuing litigation often becomes essential to address your injuries and sue the negligent provider. Our Canton legal team helps file a court complaint, supported by affidavits and medical documentation. We manage court proceedings, discovery, pre-trial motions, status conferences, and hearings for your medical malpractice lawsuit. Georgia’s medical malpractice laws require an affidavit of expert review to support the claim of standard of care deviation.

A Canton, GA medical malpractice attorney may charge contingency fees based on the client’s recovery. Our law firm provides free consultations for all injured victims! Most medical malpractice lawyers in Georgia, including Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, so clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date of the injury or death.

Call 404-760-7400 now to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Canton medical malpractice attorneys and seek justice with the help of experienced attorneys.

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, taking swift and informed action is crucial. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, but with the guidance of experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Atlanta, GA, you can protect your rights and begin the process of seeking justice.

The first step is to reach out to a reputable medical malpractice law firm for a free consultation. During this initial meeting, a skilled medical malpractice attorney will review your medical records, listen to your concerns, and help determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim. Choosing a law firm with a proven track record in handling malpractice cases ensures you receive knowledgeable legal representation from attorneys who understand the intricacies of medical malpractice law.

To successfully pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must prove that a healthcare provider breached the accepted standard of care, resulting in serious injuries or other harm. This often involves gathering detailed evidence, such as medical records, expert witness testimony, and documentation of your medical bills and lost wages. Medical experts play a vital role in establishing how the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from what is considered reasonable and safe within the medical community.

It’s important to remember that most medical malpractice lawsuits in Georgia must be filed within two years of the injury or wrongful death. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline, so consulting a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible is essential to preserve your right to seek compensation.

If you or a family member has experienced significant injuries, mounting medical expenses, or lost income due to a medical error, you may be entitled to recover compensation for these losses. An experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer can guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and help you seek fair compensation for your suffering.

Medical malpractice litigation can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. By partnering with a dedicated medical malpractice law firm in Atlanta, GA, you can take the first step toward holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing the justice you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your case and explore your options for moving forward.

What Is The Legal Process For Medical Malpractice Claims

A medical error has the power to completely upend a person’s life. An ordinary operation goes awry. A clear diagnosis is missed by a physician. A hospital disregards fundamental safety regulations. When that occurs, Georgia’s legal system provides wounded patients with a way to pursue justice.

Although it’s neither simple nor quick, every step counts. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Georgia is two years from the time the injury is discovered. Georgia also applies a five-year statute of repose, which bars most claims from being filed more than five years after the negligent act, with exceptions for cases involving minors where deadlines may be extended. Medical malpractice claims may require a thorough investigation to identify the negligence that led to the client’s injuries. Some georgia medical malpractice cases involve catastrophic outcomes, such as severe or life-altering injuries, which require extensive investigation and preparation. If the injury from medical malpractice is not immediately detected, the claim must be pursued within five years of the negligent act. The typical process for medical malpractice claims in Canton, GA are:

• The first step is to collect proof. Test results, witness accounts, and medical records all contribute to the case’s development.
• Obtaining professional support is necessary. According to Georgia law, a medical professional must examine the case and provide an affidavit attesting that the error should never have occurred.
• The litigation is formally initiated by filing the lawsuit. It details the specifics of the doctor’s or hospital’s failure and the harm that resulted from it.
• The deep dive is called discovery. Both sides bring up additional specialists, exchange evidence, and take sworn statements.
• Medication usually follows. Pretrial settlements are common, but only when the offer is reasonable.
• Going to trial is the last step. After hearing the facts, a jury determines whether the hospital or doctor should face consequences.

Legal proceedings in georgia medical malpractice cases can be unpredictable, but attorneys strive to minimize surprises for their clients and protect their rights throughout the process.

To succeed, claimants must prove medical malpractice by providing sufficient evidence and often expert medical testimony to link the healthcare provider’s negligence to the injury. Medical malpractice claims can be complex due to the need for meticulous documentation, expert review, and extensive preparation before filing a georgia medical malpractice lawsuit. Claimants often face challenges from insurance companies, which may dispute the severity of injuries or the healthcare provider’s liability, making effective legal strategies and communication essential. Personalized representation and thorough case evaluations are crucial to building strong georgia medical malpractice lawsuits.

If a doctor is found liable for malpractice, they may face disciplinary action including losing their medical license. Per the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, before bringing a medical malpractice claim, a victim of malpractice must have another doctor certify under oath that the hospital or practitioner engaged in wrongdoing. Common causes of medical malpractice include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, failure to treat, and prescription mistakes.

Although no one should have to endure a medical malpractice injury, legal action can help provide financial redress, accountability, and answers when a medical error results in suffering. That’s why it’s important to have a dedicated medical malpractice attorney by your side to help you from start to finish.

The Types of Compensation You Can Receive for a Medical Malpractice Claim

A doctor’s or medical provider’s mistake can change everything in an instant. A routine checkup turns into months of pain. A delayed diagnosis steals the chance for early treatment. A botched surgery leaves someone struggling to do the things they once took for granted.

Negligence in medical malpractice occurs through errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management. A medical malpractice case requires proving that a healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to the patient. When medical negligence causes harm, Georgia law allows injured patients and their families to seek compensation for what they’ve lost.

Plaintiffs can recover up to $1.05 million in damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit in Georgia. Some types of compensation you may be entitled to for your pain and suffering are:

• Medical expenses add up fast. That includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions, and any care needed in the future.
• Lost wages cover time missed at work. If the injury affects someone’s ability to earn a living, they may also recover future income.
• Pain and suffering go beyond the physical. The law recognizes the emotional toll of dealing with constant pain, anxiety, or loss of independence.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement changes a person’s life. When an injury leaves lasting scars or limits movement, compensation should reflect that.
• Wrongful death damages help families after an unimaginable loss. Funeral costs, lost financial support, and the deep grief of losing a loved one are all considered.

In medical malpractice cases, compensation is generally divided into economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and costs for ongoing care. Non-economic damages address the mental and emotional toll the injury has taken on a person’s well-being, including pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to discourage particularly egregious behavior by healthcare providers. The total damages in a medical malpractice case can vary significantly depending on the specifics of the incident and its effects.

No amount of money can undo the damage, but holding the responsible party accountable can bring some sense of justice. It can also help with the overwhelming costs that come with a medical injury.

Why Choose Our Canton Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Our Canton, Georgia medical malpractice lawyers provide exceptional legal aid for surgical errors, emergency room mistakes, plastic surgery mishaps, anesthesia errors, misdiagnoses, radiation injuries, electronic fetal monitoring injuries, birth injuries, burn injuries, amputation injuries, maternal death, pediatric meningitis, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, fetal hypoxia, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and catastrophic malpractice injuries.

Birth injuries can result from delayed C-sections or inadequate fetal monitoring during labor. Burn injuries may be caused by surgical fires, malfunctioning equipment, radiation therapy mistakes, or improper wound care. Amputation injuries can occur when infections or surgical complications are not identified or treated in time. Maternal death can occur when providers fail to act quickly on signs of complications during labor or postpartum care. Delayed treatment can lead to serious injuries or wrongful death.

Chance, Forlines, Carter & King offers a free consultation and evaluates medical malpractice claims for all injured victims in the Canton area.

FAQs by Canton Clients

Q. What is an affidavit of merit?

A. An affidavit of merit is a document signed by a medical expert supporting the validity of your claims.

Q. What is mediation in a medical malpractice case?

A. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps the disputing parties settle.

Q. What happens if mediation is unsuccessful?

A. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial.

Q. What is the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim in Canton, Georgia?

A. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71), an action for medical malpractice must generally be brought within two years after the date the injury or death arising from the negligent act occurred. However, no claim can be filed more than five years after the date of the alleged negligence, known as the statute of repose, with limited exceptions such as for minors. Delays in discovering the injury do not typically extend these strict deadlines. If you believe you’ve been harmed by medical negligence in Canton, it’s critical to consult an experienced medical malpractice lawyer promptly to evaluate your timeline and protect your rights—don’t risk losing your ability to seek justice.

Q. Do I need an expert affidavit to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Canton?

A. Yes, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-9.1) requires that a medical malpractice complaint be accompanied by an affidavit from a qualified expert. This affidavit must set forth at least one specific negligent act or omission and the factual basis supporting the claim. This requirement helps ensure claims have merit from the outset. Our Canton medical malpractice team works closely with respected medical experts to prepare strong affidavits, building a solid foundation for your case and pursuing the full compensation you deserve.

Q. What kinds of compensation can I recover with a Canton medical malpractice lawyer?

A. Victims of medical negligence in Canton may recover economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future care costs, with no statutory limit under Georgia law. Non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are also available without caps, following the Georgia Supreme Court’s ruling that prior limits were unconstitutional. In rare cases involving willful misconduct, punitive damages may apply. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can thoroughly assess your losses and fight aggressively for maximum recovery.

Q. How can a Canton medical malpractice lawyer help prove my case?

A. Proving medical malpractice in Georgia requires showing that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care, causing your injury. This often involves detailed medical records review, expert testimony, and evidence of deviation from accepted practices. Our experienced Canton team investigates thoroughly, secures qualified medical experts, and builds compelling cases to hold negligent providers accountable—helping you navigate complex legal and medical issues while focusing on your recovery.

Q. Are birth injuries considered medical malpractice in Canton, Georgia?

A. Yes, birth injuries resulting from negligence—such as failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools, or delayed C-sections—can form the basis of a medical malpractice claim under Georgia law. These cases often involve lifelong consequences for the child and family. If your child suffered harm during birth in Canton due to substandard care, acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and meet deadlines. Our dedicated medical malpractice lawyers are here to review your situation in a free consultation and pursue justice on your behalf.

Q. What damages are available if medical malpractice leads to wrongful death in Canton?

A. In wrongful death cases stemming from medical negligence in Georgia, surviving family members may recover the full value of the lost life, funeral expenses, medical costs, and non-economic losses for the family’s pain and suffering—with no caps on these damages. These claims demand strong evidence of negligence. Our compassionate Canton medical malpractice team supports families through this difficult process, handling investigations and advocacy so you can grieve while we seek the accountability and compensation your loved one deserves.

Q. Why choose a local Canton medical malpractice lawyer for my claim?

A. A local Canton medical malpractice lawyer understands Georgia’s specific laws, including strict filing requirements and deadlines, as well as area healthcare providers and courts. This familiarity helps build stronger cases tailored to your community. With deep knowledge of medical negligence issues affecting Canton residents, our team provides personalized guidance, free case reviews, and relentless representation to secure the results and justice you need—call today to discuss your options.

Contact Our Canton Medical Malpractice Attorney Today​

Many law firms in Canton encourage clients to contact them early to discuss their cases. The experience of Canton medical malpractice attorneys varies, with many having decades in practice. For those in Canton looking for an excellent medical malpractice lawyer, call Chance, Forlines, Carter & King at 404-760-7400 to set up a complimentary consultation.

We welcome clients from Canton and the entire state of Georgia!

Back to Top

Read more about medical malpractice lawsuits in our blog