|
1. What exactly constitutes a medical negligence claim or a medical
malpractice case in the state of California?
In order for you to prevail in a California medical malpractice lawsuit in the
state of California, you must prove that the medical injury you suffered was as
the result of the negligence of some doctor, hospital, or other medical care
provider. You must also prove that such medical or health care provider owed you
a duty of care and that they breached their duty to you, thereby causing you
harm. It must be proven that their level of care to you fell below the
acceptable standard of care in the medical community, and that you suffered
damage as a result.
2. Can I only sue my doctor for my injuries caused by medical negligence?
No. California medical malpractice claims may be made against any medical
provider including, but not limited to, physicians, surgeons, nurses, hospitals,
chiropractors, pharmacists, pharmacies, physical therapists, psychologists,
psychiatrists, pathologists, lab technicians, and laboratories, dentists, and
dental assistants, among many others. In short, any health care provider or
health care facility may be a defendant in a medical malpractice law suit.
3. In a California medical negligence case, what damages can I recover in my
medical malpractice lawsuit?
In terms of monetary recovery, a California medical malpractice case is like any
other California personal injury case, in that the Plaintiff may recover
"special" damages and "general" damages. Special damages refer to all out of
pocket expenses incurred (or to be incurred) as a result of the medical
negligence. Such special damages include, but are not limited to medical
treatment costs, surgery, therapy, prescriptions, etc, as well as lost wages and
loss of future earnings. General damages refer to non-economic damages for such
things as pain and suffering, depression, loss of normal activities, lifestyle
changes, scarring and disfigurement, embarrassment, etc.
4. How do I prove that I have been injured through medical negligence?
Your attorney must show through evidence that your medical care provider(s)
injured you by treatment of you which fell below the acceptable level of
standard of care. Medical expert witnesses must be hired to testify on the
issues of standard of care and the defendant medical care provider's breach
thereof. Your economic and non-economic damages must also be proven. The cost of
litigation and expert witnesses may be very high. If we believe you have a very
strong case, and that your damages are significant, we may bear the cost of
those expenses until such time as your case is resolved.
5. How much money will I receive if I win my medical malpractice case?
Now, there's a tough question. Every single case is different. The combinations
of injuries and economic loss are innumerable. However, one thing is for
certain. The California legislature has limited a plaintiff's non-economic
damage recovery to only $250,000.00. That is to say, that is the maximum
obtainable for the pain and suffering element of a California medical
malpractice claim. On the other hand, there is no statutory limit to the
economic damages that you may recover through your medical negligence lawsuit.
6. What if the medical malpractice results in the death of someone?
A dependent, such as the wife or child of the deceased, may be entitled to the
loss of wages and loss of support previously provided by the deceased . The
family is also entitled to recover funeral expenses and medical expenses that
occurred. It may not be economically feasible for a non-dependent relative to
pursue a medical malpractice claim.
7. I'm not sure if I have a medical negligence case or not. What should I do?
Don't wonder. Ask us! That is what we are here for. We will listen to all of
your circumstances and help you to analyze your situation. We don't expect you
to be the expert. Our attorneys and staff members are very courteous and
understanding. We will help you make important decisions. Remember, your initial
consultation is absolutely free, and you are under no obligation to hire us. We
look forward to speaking with you!
CALL NOW! TOLL FREE 1-800-221-9576
FREE CONSULTATION
|
|
| |
Copyright © Picozzi, Nielsen, & Lloyd, Attorneys at Law, Southern California, California personal injury lawyers. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The information offered herein by Orange County California Personal Injury Attorneys is
not formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney client relationship.
Our California law firm handles personal injury cases in all Southern California
counties, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and
Orange County, California. Picozzi, Nielsen, & Lloyd concentrates in Personal Injury, including accidents - medical malpractice and medical negligence claims -- construction accidents, whether under California personal injury law, California workers compensation law or both -- orthopedic injuries -- products liability matters -- serious personal injury matters including wrongful death and serve Los Angeles,
Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Southern California. Site by
Consultwebs.com, Webs for Personal Injury Lawyers
|
|
|
