If you’ve been injured as a result of medical malpractice, it’s important to know your rights. Many people aren’t sure what qualifies as malpractice, or whether they even have a strong enough case. If you have been injured by a doctor, nurse, or hospital, then you may be able to file a lawsuit.
We’ll help you to understand what medical malpractice is so you can more easily determine if you qualify for a claim. The following information will also help you determine how to find the best medical malpractice lawyers in Atlanta.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Malpractice typically occurs when a medical professional fails to provide adequate care or services that result in injury or death of a patient. Medical mistakes rank as the third most common cause of death in the United States, after heart disease and cancer. Examples include:
- Misdiagnosis
- Botched surgeries
- Incorrect medications
- Birth injuries
- General negligence
Reasons Why Medical Malpractice Happens
Any kind of malpractice is always unfortunate, but understanding why it happens can be helpful. There are a few common reasons:
- Poor communication between doctor and patient
- Lack of training or experience among medical staff
- Failure to diagnose a condition properly
- Negligent acts by the healthcare provider
- Inadequate follow-up care after treatments
Who Qualifies for a Malpractice Lawsuit?
There are several different requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a medical malpractice lawsuit. These include:
- A doctor-patient relationship must exist – meaning that you hired the healthcare provider and they agreed to treat your condition.
- The healthcare provider must have acted negligently – meaning that the injury sustained was caused by their actions or lack thereof.
- The negligence must have caused harm – meaning that the injury sustained is directly related to the medical professional’s actions or lack of actions.
How to Find the Best Malpractice Lawyers in Atlanta
When it is time to bring a lawyer into the situation, it’s vital that you find the right one who can effectively help you. Here are five tips to find the best malpractice lawyers in Atlanta.
1. Ask People You Trust
First, ask trusted family and friends for referrals. This can be a great way to find an attorney with a good reputation in the field.
2. Research
Research online and read reviews of attorneys from other clients who have used their services. You can usually get a glimpse of what their experience was like dealing with the attorney and their staff.
3. Meet With Them
Before settling on a firm, try to meet with several different attorneys to determine which one is best suited for your case. You can typically do this over the phone to save time. Ask them about their experience and any cases they have handled that are similar to yours.
4. Check Your State Bar Association
Check with the state bar association or other professional organizations to make sure the attorney is licensed and in good standing.
5. Ask About Fees
Make sure to ask questions about fees, billing, and other costs associated with hiring a medical malpractice lawyer. You should understand exactly what you will have to pay for and if you can afford it.
Prieto, Marigliano, Holbert, & Prieto Are Qualified to Help
By taking the time to research and find the best malpractice lawyer in Atlanta for your needs, you can be sure that you are getting the best legal representation possible.
Prieto, Marigliano, Holbert, & Prieto, LLC (PMHP Law) believe that victims of medical malpractice deserve an attorney who will fight to protect their rights and work to fully understand the impact of the injury.
At the end of the day, you should never settle for less than what you deserve when it comes to lawsuits of any kind. Contact us today for the right lawyer who can get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries or loss.