Whether going to the doctor for a routine medical examination or a lengthy medical procedure, you trust that the physician and any other members of the medical team involved will adhere to the accepted standard of care throughout the entire process. When any member of the medical team, the hospital, or any other medical provider fails in this duty and harms a patient, the consequences may be dire.
A patient injured due to medical negligence might have standing to file a claim for compensation against anyone who causes or contributes to their harm. When your injuries result from medical negligence, speak with our San Bernardino medical malpractice lawyers immediately. Our dedicated injury attorneys will fight for you by pursuing financial recovery from the responsible party.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice can occur in many stages of the medical provider-patient relationship, including the doctor’s office, emergency room, or operating room. Sometimes, many parties are liable in medical malpractice cases, from hospital staff to staff like surgeons, physicians, radiologists, or nurses.
Not every medical error or mistake is malpractice. To file a malpractice claim, the injured person must prove that the medical professional or entity owed the patient a duty of care and violated the duty, causing the patient’s injuries and damages. A diligent attorney in San Bernardino can assess a case of medical negligence and the circumstances involved to determine if a claim is warranted.
Everyday situations that could give rise to a claim for medical malpractice include:
- Wrongfully diagnosing a medical condition
- Delaying the diagnosis of a medical condition
- Performing the wrong surgery
- Surgical mistakes (such as leaving an instrument in the patient)
- Clearing a patient to go home from the hospital too soon
Other examples of potential medical malpractice include incorrect assessments of laboratory results, birth injuries, medication errors, and the failure to adequately warn of the side effects of a particular procedure or drug.
The Statute of Limitations for San Bernardino Medical Malpractice Cases
It is vital to contact an accomplished San Bernardino attorney as soon as possible in cases involving suspected medical malpractice, as rigid filing windows govern these claims. Missing the deadline could prevent the injured person from recovering compensation.
In medical malpractice cases, the deadline to file a compensation case is either 12 months from the date the individual learned of their harm or, at most, three years from the date of the injury itself.
Certain caveats can impact that filing window, including when the medical provider or professional took steps to hide their medical error from the victim or the victim was a minor when the malpractice happened. An attorney in San Bernardino can ensure the claimant files their medical negligence claim within the appropriate filing window.
Call a Medical Malpractice Attorney in San Bernardino Today
When grappling with an injury caused by alleged medical malpractice, you may feel frightened and overwhelmed by the physical recovery that lies before you, as well as the financial impact of this process. A San Bernardino medical malpractice attorney will fight back when the doctor or insurance company refuses to compensate you fairly.
Our energetic and prepared attorneys can help alleviate the burden of your injuries by developing strategies and tactics that lead to successful case outcomes. Call us today to set up a legal consultation.