The Click here for Santa Clara malpractice help victims recover compensation after health care providers cause harm. These cases involve a variety of injuries, including misdiagnoses, surgical errors and medication mistakes.
Use FindLaw’s lawyer directory to find a qualified professional malpractice attorney near you. Each profile contains contact information, education and training, client recommendations and more to help you decide who to hire.
How do I know if I have a case?
Every case is unique and requires careful review by an experienced medical malpractice attorney. However, there are a few basic questions you can ask to determine whether your claim may be valid.
The first is whether another person or business entity acted in a negligent manner that caused injuries or damages to you. If the answer is yes, then you can file a lawsuit against that party for compensation.
Moreover, you should also assess the extent of your losses. For example, have you incurred medical bills, lost income, or suffered physical pain and emotional distress?
In addition, you will likely need expert witness testimony to establish that the defendant’s actions fell short of the applicable standard of care and directly caused your injury. You should also prepare any necessary documents, such as a complaint and summons, and submit medical records and bills. Additionally, you must verify that the defendant was properly served with these documents.
Do I need to hire an attorney?
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require the help of a skilled attorney. These attorneys specialize in cases involving health care providers like doctors, surgeons, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other healthcare workers who provide substandard care that directly causes injury or death to a patient.
These attorneys will review your medical records, communicate with insurance companies and adverse parties on your behalf and take depositions in preparation for a trial if necessary. They will also help you understand your rights and the statutes of limitations, which set limits on how long after an accident or injury you may file a claim seeking compensation.
When hiring a lawyer, consider their track record and the amount of experience they have handling similar cases. Also, ask them how they bill for their services and whether they offer a free initial consultation. For more information, use our Lawyer Directory and browse profiles featuring attorney bios, education and training, client recommendations and contact details to find the right legal assistance for your case.
How much will it cost?
Thousands of people suffer catastrophic harm each year due to preventable medical errors. A knowledgeable lawyer can help these victims recover compensation for their immense losses. Under California law, victims may recover a variety of damages for the injuries they sustain as a result of a medical mistake.
These costs may include past and future medical expenses, the cost of rehabilitation services, and other related costs. Many medical malpractice attorneys use different fee arrangements, so you will want to discuss this before hiring an attorney to help with your case.
The lawyers listed on this site are verified by Lead Counsel and independently reviewed for professionalism and client satisfaction. Use the contact form on each profile to connect with a Santa Clara malpractice attorney for a free consultation. This directory includes lawyers who practice in medical malpractice, dental malpractice, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and more. It also includes profiles of attorneys who provide legal aid, pro bono, or community service.
What happens if I don’t hire an attorney?
The clock on pursuing financial compensation for harm from medical malpractice starts ticking the moment questionable care directly results in substantiated emotional, physical or fatal injury. Due to legal complexity, retaining accomplished California counsel early makes a significant difference in successfully navigating this difficult road toward accountability and updated health care standards.
In the vast majority of cases, medical negligence claims are settled outside of court. A settlement allows for quicker access to compensation while avoiding the unpredictability of trial. However, a victim is free to take their case to trial if they choose to do so.
Lawyers must follow state ethics rules and charge reasonable fees. If you feel your lawyer did not treat you fairly or is overcharging you, it’s a good idea to discuss this with them directly. They should be able to explain their billing practices and give you monthly reports of how your money is being spent. If you are unable to resolve your concerns, you may have the option to fire your lawyer.