Redlands Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical Malpractice Attorney in Redlands, CA

Visiting the doctor or the hospital is a time when you know your health is in the hands of a trained professional. The last thing you expect is for a medical error to leave you with permanent injuries, expensive medical bills, or lifelong problems. When a healthcare provider’s negligence causes injury to you or someone you care about, you have every right to seek answers and pursue justice. A Redlands medical malpractice lawyer can help you do so.

About Belgum, Fry & Van Allen

At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, we represent victims of medical malpractice in Redlands and across Southern California, holding negligent doctors, hospitals, and other medical professionals accountable for their conduct. We strive to ensure you get the compensation and closure you deserve.

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen stands as the leading choice for injury law representation across Southern California and serves clients at the San Bernardino County Courthouse near downtown Redlands.

Medical Malpractice Laws in California

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing injury or death to a patient. These cases can involve doctors, nurses, surgeons, pharmacists, or even entire hospitals.

California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.5 sets the deadline for malpractice claims. In general, a plaintiff must file a medical malpractice claim within three years of the injury date or one year from when they discovered the injury, whichever comes first.

In some cases, defendants may argue that the injured patient is partially at fault, for example, by not following post-treatment instructions or by failing to follow up with care. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so your award can be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Examples of Medical Malpractice

In 2022, California ranked number one in medical malpractice payouts. That year, there were 648 medical malpractice payment reports against physicians, totaling over $199 million in payments. Medical malpractice can happen in a variety of forms and spaces, such as emergency rooms or private practices. Some common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Surgical mistakes, like performing surgery on the incorrect location or leaving surgical tools inside the body
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, which can cause a condition to unnecessarily worsen over time
• Medication errors, such as prescribing the incorrect drug or dosage
• Birth injuries occur when a mother or newborn is harmed due to careless delivery.
• Anesthesia mistakes can cause serious problems or even death.

These errors can permanently alter a patient’s life and are frequently the result of negligence, poor communication, or disregard for accepted medical principles.

Damages in a Medical Malpractice Claim

There are many different types of compensation that victims of medical malpractice can be eligible to receive, depending on the effect that the negligence has had on their lives. The damages for which you may be able to seek a recovery can include the reimbursement of medical bills and lost wages, as well as funds for future care.

Non-economic damages can also include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In the most tragic cases of wrongful death, surviving family members can also file a claim for funeral expenses and loss of companionship. At our firm, we make sure that every client gets a full assessment of both economic and personal losses in order to seek the greatest recovery possible.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Hiring a Redlands medical malpractice attorney is important because these claims are complex and almost always contested vigorously by large insurance companies and hospital defense teams.

An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and your injuries. The legal team can collect your medical documents and use professional witness statements to demonstrate negligence. Your lawyer can also be your advocate in all communications and negotiations, and they fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, our Redlands medical malpractice lawyers handle every detail of your case, from filing your claim to preparing for trial if necessary. Our team takes care of every detail, so you can concentrate on your recovery. We work hard to secure the full amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.

FAQs

How Hard Is a Medical Malpractice Claim?

Medical malpractice claims are complex because they involve proving that a healthcare provider’s negligence caused your injury. They require extensive medical evidence, professional testimony, and the plaintiff is often going against strong defense teams. Achieving favorable results in these cases requires extensive investigation work and proficient legal representation to establish deficient medical care by the provider.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Medical Malpractice in California?

California law typically allows you three years to bring a medical malpractice claim, starting either at the time of the injury or when you discovered the injury. The statutes do have exceptions, such as for minors and for undiscovered negligence, but in general, the deadline to file a claim is short. By speaking with an attorney promptly, you can protect your case and make sure it is filed before the legal deadline expires.

Do Hospitals Settle Out of Court?

Yes, hospitals and healthcare providers often settle medical malpractice claims out of court. Settlement allows both parties to avoid the time and expense of a trial. The case outcome hinges on how strong your evidence and professional assessments prove to be. The hospital’s insurer may also be willing to negotiate a fair settlement. A skilled lawyer can help you secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your damages.

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice in Redlands, CA?

Medical malpractice is a term for when your healthcare provider causes harm to you by not meeting the expected standard of care. This can involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, birth injuries, or neglect. In Redlands, CA, in order to show that your doctor or other medical professional is liable for malpractice, you will have to demonstrate that their actions were negligent and directly caused you injury or your medical condition to worsen.

Contact Belgum, Fry & Van Allen Today

If you or a loved one was injured, suffered death, or had a medical condition worsen due to the negligence of a healthcare professional, hire a medical malpractice lawyer at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen. Contact us today to get started.