Lawrenceville Medical Malpractice Lawyers

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At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Lawrenceville car accident lawyers are aggressive, experienced, and justice-forward advocates for injured victims. You do not have to take on a big insurance company alone. Our firm knows how to get results when it matters most. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Gwinnett County, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top-tier Lawrenceville car accident attorney.

At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Lawrenceville medical malpractice lawyers have the specialized legal knowledge and professional expertise that patients can trust. If you or your loved one suffered harm due to a negligent doctor or negligent health care provider in Georgia, we are here as a legal resource. Our firm is renowned for handling Atlanta medical malpractice cases with a high level of expertise. Call us now or connect with us online for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorney. We are recognized among law firms specializing in medical malpractice for our dedication and successful track record.

What is Medical Malpractice?

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about what does (and does not) constitute medical malpractice. Broadly explained, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care in their field and, as a consequence, causes harm to a patient. A medical malpractice case can be complex, involving intricate legal dynamics and requiring specialized legal representation. To be clear, an adverse outcome for a patient is not always medical malpractice. Instead, proving negligence in a Georgia medical malpractice case requires showing that the defendant’s professional negligence was the cause of harm.

Types of Medical Malpractice in Georgia

Medical malpractice is not just one thing. Quite the contrary, medical negligence can come in a wide variety of different forms. Some notable examples of medical malpractice in Georgia include: 

• Doctor Misdiagnosis: Doctor misdiagnosis occurs when a physician inaccurately identifies a patient’s condition—thereby leading to incorrect or delayed treatment.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Delayed diagnosis is another major issue. It happens when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition in a timely manner. 
• Surgical Errors: Surgical errors are preventable mistakes made during operations. Examples include operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the patient.
• Prescription Drug Mistakes: Drug errors are mistakes in prescribing or administering medication, such as the incorrect dosage or the wrong medication. 
• Anesthesia Errors: These errors are potentially life-threatening mistakes made with anesthesia, including improper dosing or failing to monitor the patient.
• Birth Injuries: Birth injuries cause harm to a baby or mother during childbirth. Most often they are due to negligence in prenatal care, delivery room decisions, or postnatal care.

UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWS IN GEORGIA

Medical malpractice cases arise at the state level. If you or your loved one was a victim of medical negligence in Lawrenceville or elsewhere in Gwinnett County, it is useful that you have a strong understanding of Georgia malpractice laws and the intricacies of a Georgia medical malpractice lawsuit. Here are key things to know:

• The Standard of Care: In Georgia, medical professionals are expected to exercise a degree of skill and care that, under similar conditions, is ordinarily employed by the medical profession generally.
• The Statute of Limitations: Generally, malpractice lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury or death. However, if the harm was not immediately discoverable, the patient may have five years from the date of the incident to file a claim
• The Expert Affidavit: Georgia law requires the plaintiff to file an affidavit along with the lawsuit, wherein a qualified expert swears that, in their opinion, a breach of the standard of care occurred. Medical malpractice lawsuits are complex and require expert affidavits to support claims.

PROVING A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUIT

Proving a medical malpractice lawsuit requires a thorough understanding of both legal and medical aspects. In Atlanta, GA, medical malpractice attorneys must demonstrate that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. To establish this, the following elements must be proven:

1. Duty of Care: The healthcare provider had a duty to provide a certain level of care to the patient.
2. Breach of Duty: The healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, resulting in a breach of duty.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury or harm.
4. Damages: The patient suffered damages as a result of the healthcare provider’s negligence.

To prove these elements, medical malpractice attorneys in Atlanta, GA, may rely on various forms of evidence, including:

• Medical records
• Expert testimony from medical professionals
• Witness statements
• Photographic and video evidence

By presenting a strong case, medical malpractice attorneys can help victims of medical negligence receive the compensation they deserve.

DAMAGES AND COMPENSATION

Medical malpractice victims in Atlanta, GA, may be entitled to various forms of damages and compensation. These can include:

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the medical malpractice.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-financial losses.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the healthcare provider’s negligence was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Medical malpractice attorneys in Atlanta, GA, can help victims navigate the complex process of seeking damages and compensation. By working with a skilled attorney, victims can ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the maximum amount of compensation available.

TIME LIMITS FOR FILING A CLAIM

In Atlanta, GA, there are strict time limits for filing a medical malpractice claim. These time limits, known as statutes of limitations, vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Generally, medical malpractice claims in Georgia must be filed within:

• Two Years: From the date of the medical malpractice, or
• Five Years: From the date of the medical malpractice, if the patient did not discover the malpractice until later.

It is essential to consult with a medical malpractice attorney in Atlanta, GA, as soon as possible after discovering the malpractice. This ensures that the victim’s rights are protected and that the claim is filed within the applicable time limit.

WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE?

In Atlanta, GA, various parties can be held liable for medical malpractice. These may include:

• Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who provided care to the patient.
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities: The hospital or medical facility where the malpractice occurred may also be held liable.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: In cases where a defective or dangerous drug was involved, the pharmaceutical company may be held liable.
• Medical Device Manufacturers: If a defective or dangerous medical device was used, the manufacturer may be held liable.

Medical malpractice attorneys in Atlanta, GA, can help victims identify the parties responsible for the malpractice and pursue compensation from those parties.

We Fight Hard to Help Medical Malpractice Victims Maximize their Compensation

Medical negligence can cause serious, even life-altering injuries, illnesses, or other complications to the patient. It is imperative that medical malpractice clients are able to secure the full and fair financial compensation that they need to pay bills and support themselves. Unfortunately, medical malpractice claims are typically defended by large, aggressive insurance companies that fight hard to resolve cases for less. Our Lawrenceville, GA medical malpractice lawyers go above and beyond to help our clients maximize their recovery.

As a dedicated personal injury attorney, our firm has extensive experience in handling complex cases and achieving substantial settlements or verdicts for our clients.

Along with other types of losses, medical malpractice victims in Georgia may be able to recover for:

• Emergency room care;
• Hospital bills;
• Other medical costs;
• Physical therapy;
• Mental health support;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental distress;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of earning;
• Pain and suffering;
• Disability;
• Disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death.

HOW OUR LAWRENCEVILLE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYER CAN HELP

Medical malpractice cases are challenging. Medical professionals and medical providers are represented by large insurance companies that are focused on limiting payouts. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we have what it takes to get patients and families justice and the proper financial compensation. More specifically, our Lawrenceville medical malpractice lawyer is ready to:

• Hear what you have to say and answer your legal questions;
• Investigate your medical malpractice claim, gathering relevant evidence;
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with insurers;
• Take aggressive action focused on getting you results that count.

CONTACT OUR LAWRENCEVILLE, GA MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE ATTORNEY TODAY

At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Lawrenceville medical malpractice lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. Hurt due to medical negligence? We are more than ready to help. Contact our law firm now for your free case review. We handle medical malpractice claims in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, and communities beyond.