A Fierce Advocate For Injured Patients And Their Families
Last updated on September 27, 2024
California has some of the best doctors in the world. Unfortunately, it also has some doctors, hospitals and health systems that are notorious for making life-altering or fatal mistakes in the care of patients. If you’ve suffered harm in a health care setting, the thought of filing a lawsuit can seem overwhelming. How do you take on such large and powerful institutions?
You start by hiring the right law firm. In California and Arizona, look no further than the Law Office of Michael E. Gatto, PC.
How Can You Tell If Medical Malpractice Occurred?
Bad medical outcomes can occur even if health care professionals do everything right. Therefore, not all bad outcomes are a sign that malpractice occurred. Rather, there are four elements that must be shown to prove an allegation of medical malpractice. They are:
- The physician owed the patient a duty of care (due to the doctor-patient relationship)
- The physician violated that duty of care
- The patient was harmed as a result of that breach of duty
- As a result of the breach, the patient suffered financial harm and other damages
If you are unsure about medical malpractice in your own case, you can contact our firm to take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation. We take cases on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we help you recover money. For this reason and many others, we will give you an honest assessment of the strength of your medical malpractice claim.
Do You Have A Medical Malpractice Case?
Determining whether you have a medical malpractice case involves evaluating several factors, including the type of mistake or oversight that occurred. Some scenarios are more likely to suggest malpractice than others, including:
- Hospital mistakes
- Delayed diagnoses
- Misdiagnoses
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Pharmacy mix-ups
- Performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong patient
Our experienced medical malpractice lawyer will review your medical records, consult with experts and assess whether the standard of care was breached and if that breach caused your injury.
Understanding The Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a critical factor in medical malpractice cases. In California, you generally have one year from the date you discovered the injury or three years from the date of the injury, whichever comes first, to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation. It’s essential to act promptly and consult with a medical malpractice attorney like Mr. Gatto to ensure your case is filed within the legal timeframe.
Will You Have To Go To Court?
Many medical malpractice cases are settled out of court through negotiation, mediation or arbitration. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, going to court may be necessary.
Our firm is prepared to represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand that surgery complications and other medical errors can have a profound impact on your life, and we are committed to advocating for your rights every step of the way.
Contact Us For A Free Discussion Of Your Legal Options
Based in Walnut Creek, the Law Office of Michael E. Gatto, PC, serves the Bay Area and all of California. To schedule your free initial consultation with a highly experienced medical malpractice attorney, call us at 925-587-9949. You can also fill out our online contact form.