Reckless or careless conduct by healthcare professionals can be both particularly debilitating and uniquely challenging to address legally. There are several laws and restrictions that apply only to this type of civil claim, and failing to follow them closely could leave you without the compensation you need.
If you were harmed by a doctor, nurse, surgeon, or technician acting irresponsibly, contacting a personal injury attorney with a track record of positive results in cases like this should be a priority. Guidance from an experienced Kennesaw medical malpractice lawyer can make all the difference in getting the payments you deserve.
Recovering Comprehensively for All Damages
There are a number of ways that a negligent doctor’s misconduct could seriously harm their patient. An error during surgery could cause additional physical damage that necessitates further corrective measures, a failure to diagnose a disease could cause it to worsen over time, and even a simple miscommunication between healthcare practitioners could lead to someone getting the wrong medicine or treatment.
Accordingly, the losses a particular patient could recover for based on medical negligence—and therefore the total financial value of their claim—can vary a lot from case to case. Some damages that often factor into litigation of this nature include:
- Additional short-term medical expenses
- Long-term care costs, including physical therapy and prescription medications
- Lost work income and earning ability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional/psychological trauma
- Lost consortium and enjoyment of life
A Kennesaw medical malpractice attorney could provide more specific information during a free initial consultation about the damages that a particular plaintiff could seek restitution for.
Special Rules for Malpractice Litigation
It is important to understand that parties intending to sue over medical malpractice in Georgia must submit an “affidavit of merit” alongside the complaint that formally starts their lawsuit, or within 45 days at most of submitting that complaint. As per Official Code of Georgia §9-11-9.1, this affidavit must include from at least one qualified medical expert a written and signed affirmation that an actionable breach in an applicable standard of care occurred and the plaintiff therefore has valid grounds to sue.
Additionally, under O.C.G.A. §9-3-71, prospective plaintiffs generally have two years maximum after discovering their injuries and five years maximum after actually being injured to begin the litigation process. However, there are exceptions to these deadlines that a seasoned medical malpractice lawyer in Kennesaw could detail if applicable.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Kennesaw Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Everyone should be able to trust medical professionals to provide dependable and considerate care to all their patients, and fortunately, most doctors and nurses meet this basic standard without issue. But when this standard is not met, patients risk suffering potentially life-threatening harm at the hands of the medical professional that they trusted.
If you were hurt under these or similar circumstances, a dedicated Kennesaw medical malpractice lawyer could help you pursue the restitution you deserve for the harm you should never have sustained. Give us a call at the Gunn Law Group today to learn more. We are ready to get to work for you.