When a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care expected in the medical profession, patients suffer serious injuries and life-altering consequences. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, surgeon, nurse, or hospital negligently causes harm to a patient. If you or a loved one experienced a medical error in Los Angeles, Dordick Law Corporation‘s medical malpractice lawyers in Los Angeles represents your interests and fights for the compensation you deserve.
Our medical malpractice attorneys understand California law and medical negligence cases. We work with medical experts and review extensive medical records. We build compelling cases against healthcare providers and institutions that failed their patients. Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Medical Malpractice Case
When you suffer harm due to medical negligence, you need an attorney who understands both law and medicine. Dordick Law Corporation brings decades of experience handling complex medical malpractice cases in Los Angeles and throughout California. Our award-winning attorneys have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for injured patients.
We focus exclusively on medical malpractice litigation. This focus allows us to develop deep knowledge of medical standards, healthcare provider practices, and insurance company tactics. We maintain relationships with leading medical experts across all specialties. These experts review your case and provide the testimony necessary to prove negligence. Our trial experience demonstrates our commitment to securing maximum compensation.
Our contingency fee arrangement means we only succeed when you succeed. We invest our resources in your case because we are committed to recovering maximum compensation for you. We handle all costs associated with your case, including expert fees, medical record retrieval, and litigation expenses. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
We understand the emotional toll of medical errors. Our attorneys treat each client with compassion and respect. We keep you informed throughout your case and answer your questions promptly. We fight aggressively for your rights while maintaining professionalism and integrity.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice in California
Medical malpractice in California occurs when a healthcare provider breaches the standard of care owed to a patient. This results in injury or death. California law defines this through four essential elements that must be proven in every medical malpractice case. Understanding these four elements is critical to evaluating whether you have a valid claim for personal injury compensation.
Element One: Duty of Care
The first element requires establishing that the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care. When you seek treatment from a doctor, surgeon, hospital, or other medical professional, they assume a legal obligation. They must provide care that meets the professional standard. This duty exists from the moment the provider-patient relationship begins. According to California Evidence Code § 1158, the standard of care is established through expert testimony.
Element Two: Breach of Duty
The second element involves proving a breach of that duty. A breach occurs when the healthcare provider fails to provide the level of care that a reasonably competent medical professional would provide. This applies under similar circumstances. Medical experts must testify that the provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care. This is critical to your case. Cases involving surgical errors or anesthesia complications often demonstrate clear breaches of duty.
Element Three: Causation
The third element requires demonstrating causation. You must prove that the provider’s breach directly caused your injury. This means showing that but for the negligent act or omission, you would not have suffered harm. Causation can be complex in medical cases. Patients often have pre-existing conditions or multiple contributing factors. Our attorneys work with medical experts to establish this critical link between negligence and injury.
Element Four: Damages
The fourth element involves proving damages. You must show that you suffered actual harm. This includes physical injury, emotional distress, additional medical expenses, or lost wages. Without damages, you cannot recover compensation. This applies even if the other three elements are proven. Damages may include catastrophic injuries requiring long-term care.
Standard of Care in Medical Practice
The standard of care is the cornerstone of medical malpractice law. It represents what a reasonably competent healthcare provider in the same specialty would do. This applies under similar circumstances. The standard varies depending on the medical specialty. It also depends on the patient’s condition and available treatment options. A surgeon’s standard of care differs from that of an emergency room physician or a radiologist. Expert witnesses establish what the appropriate standard of care was. They also testify whether the defendant provider met that standard.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
Medical errors take many forms. Each presents unique challenges in proving negligence. Dordick Law Corporation handles a wide range of medical malpractice cases. We work across multiple specialties and treatment settings. Our case results demonstrate our success in recovering substantial compensation for victims.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis represent some of the most common medical errors. When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition, patients miss critical treatment windows. Delayed diagnosis has the same effect. Cancer misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose heart disease, missed infections, and delayed stroke diagnosis all fall into this category. These errors often result in disease progression. Advanced-stage conditions develop. Outcomes are significantly worse than early detection would have provided. Victims of misdiagnosis may suffer traumatic brain injuries or other catastrophic injuries.
Surgical Errors and Operative Negligence
Surgical errors occur during surgical procedures. They include wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, anesthesia errors, and improper surgical technique. These errors cause immediate harm. Often, the harm is catastrophic. A surgeon operating on the wrong body part constitutes clear medical malpractice. Leaving a sponge or instrument inside a patient is also clear malpractice. Making a technical error during a critical procedure is malpractice. These cases often result in spinal cord injuries or permanent disability.
Medication Errors
Medication errors happen when healthcare providers prescribe the wrong medication. They also occur when providers administer incorrect dosages. Failure to check for dangerous drug interactions is a medication error. Giving medications to patients with known allergies is also an error. Pharmacy errors, nursing administration errors, and prescribing errors all fall within this category. Medication errors can cause severe adverse reactions. They can cause organ damage or death. These preventable errors are a leading cause of wrongful death claims.
Birth Injuries and Obstetric Malpractice
Birth injuries and obstetric malpractice involve negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Failure to monitor fetal heart rate is one example. Delayed cesarean section is another. Improper use of delivery instruments and failure to recognize complications also constitute malpractice. These errors can cause permanent brain damage. They can cause cerebral palsy or death. Birth injury cases require specialized knowledge of obstetric standards of care. Fetal hypoxia is a common birth injury resulting from obstetric negligence.
Emergency Room Errors
Emergency room errors occur in high-pressure settings. Quick decisions are necessary in these environments. However, emergency physicians must still meet the standard of care. Failure to properly triage patients is an error. Misdiagnosis of heart attacks or strokes is an error. Failure to order appropriate diagnostic tests constitutes emergency room malpractice. These errors frequently result in wrongful death or severe traumatic brain injuries.
Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia complications arise when anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists fail to properly monitor patients. Using incorrect dosages is another form of error. Failure to manage airway complications is also malpractice. Anesthesia errors can cause brain damage. They can cause cardiac events or death. Proper anesthesia monitoring is essential to prevent catastrophic injuries.
How We Prove Medical Malpractice Claims
Proving medical malpractice requires more than showing that a bad outcome occurred. You must present evidence that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused your injury. Our attorneys use a systematic approach to build compelling cases. Our litigation team has extensive experience presenting complex medical evidence to judges and juries.
Gathering Medical Records and Evidence
We obtain complete medical records from all healthcare providers involved in your care. These records document the provider’s actions, decisions, and the patient’s condition. We review each stage of treatment. We also gather imaging studies, laboratory results, medication records, and nursing notes. This documentation forms the foundation of your case. We work with medical record specialists to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Expert Witness Testimony
California law requires expert testimony in medical malpractice cases. We work with qualified medical experts in the relevant specialty. They review your records and provide opinions on whether the defendant provider breached the standard of care. These experts must be licensed physicians with substantial experience in the same or similar specialty as the defendant. While California law prefers experts from the defendant’s specialty, courts allow flexibility. The expert’s background must provide sufficient understanding of the relevant standards of care. Their testimony establishes what the appropriate standard of care was. It shows how the defendant’s actions fell short. Per California Evidence Code § 720, expert witnesses must meet strict qualification requirements.
Establishing Causation
We work with medical experts to establish a clear causal link. This link connects the provider’s negligence to your injury. This requires showing that the negligent act directly caused harm. You would not have suffered the injury but for that negligence. In some cases, we must address alternative causes. We explain why those factors did not cause your injury. This is often the most contested element in medical malpractice litigation.
Documenting Damages
We compile comprehensive documentation of all damages you suffered. This includes medical bills and treatment costs. We document lost wages and lost earning capacity. We gather evidence of pain and suffering and emotional distress. Also, we document any permanent disability or disfigurement. Additionally, we work with economic experts to calculate future medical expenses. We also calculate lost income for cases involving permanent injury. Our case results demonstrate the substantial damages we recover for clients.
Why You Need a Medical Malpractice Attorney
Medical malpractice litigation is among the most complex areas of law. Attempting to handle these cases without experienced legal representation puts you at a significant disadvantage. Our experienced attorneys understand the intricacies of medical malpractice law and have the resources to take on powerful healthcare institutions.
Complexity of Medical Malpractice Litigation
Medical malpractice cases require understanding both law and medicine. You must work with complex medical concepts, interpret technical medical records, and work with expert witnesses. Hospitals and healthcare providers have significant resources. They employ experienced defense attorneys. They will defend against your claim. Without experienced representation, you cannot effectively compete against these well-resourced defendants. Our trial-tested team has successfully litigated hundreds of medical malpractice cases.
California’s Statute of Limitations
California law provides a one-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered the injury. You must file within one year of when you reasonably should have discovered it. However, no claim can be brought more than three years after the date of the negligent act. This applies regardless of when you discovered the injury. Understanding these deadlines is critical. Missing the statute of limitations deadline eliminates your right to recover compensation entirely. Per California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5, these deadlines are strictly enforced.
Expert Witness Requirements
California requires expert testimony in medical malpractice cases. Finding qualified experts willing to testify against other healthcare providers can be challenging. We have established relationships with medical experts across multiple specialties. They understand the standard of care. They are willing to provide testimony. We know how to effectively present expert testimony to judges and juries. Our network of experts strengthens every case we handle.
Dealing with Hospital and Insurance Company Defenses
Hospitals and healthcare providers employ defense strategies. They argue that the outcome was unavoidable. They claim that the patient’s condition caused the injury. Also, they can argue that the provider met the standard of care. Insurance companies pressure defendants to minimize settlements. Our attorneys counter these defenses with evidence. We use expert testimony and aggressive advocacy. We have successfully overcome these defenses in numerous high-value settlements and verdicts.
Maximizing Compensation
We work to recover all damages you are entitled to receive. This includes economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages. We also pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available. We negotiate with insurance companies. When necessary, we take cases to trial to secure maximum compensation. Our litigation results speak to our commitment to maximizing recovery.
The Medical Malpractice Claim Process
Understanding the medical malpractice claim process helps you know what to expect. Your case will progress through several stages. Our attorneys will guide you through each step with clear communication and strategic planning.
Initial Case Evaluation and Evidence Review
Our firm begin by meeting with you to understand your medical history. We discuss the treatment you received and the injuries you suffered. Our lawyers request and review all medical records related to your care. We analyze these records to identify potential negligence. Our attorneys also determine whether your case has merit. We also discuss your damages. We explain what compensation might be appropriate. This initial consultation is free and confidential.
Expert Testimony Requirements
California law requires expert testimony in medical malpractice cases. Before proceeding with litigation, we work with qualified medical experts. They review your case and provide opinions on whether the defendant provider breached the standard of care. These experts must be licensed physicians with substantial experience in the same or similar specialty as the defendant. We handle all expert coordination. Our medical malpractice attorneys in Los Angeles ensure their testimony is properly prepared for litigation. Per California Evidence Code § 720, expert qualifications are strictly scrutinized by the court.
Pre-Litigation Settlement Negotiations
Before filing a lawsuit, we often attempt to resolve your case through settlement negotiations. We present your case to the defendant’s insurance company. We include medical records, expert opinions, and documentation of damages. Many cases settle during this phase. This occurs without the need for litigation. However, we are prepared to file a lawsuit. We do this if the insurance company does not offer fair compensation. Our settlement track record demonstrates our negotiation effectiveness.
Discovery and Expert Discovery Phases
If litigation proceeds, we enter the discovery phase. Both sides exchange information and evidence. We obtain additional medical records. We depose the defendant healthcare provider and other witnesses. Additionally, we exchange expert reports. The defendant’s attorneys will depose you and our experts. This phase can last several months. It involves extensive document review and witness interviews. Our experienced litigators manage this complex process efficiently.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If your case does not settle, we prepare for trial. Our lawyers organize evidence and prepare witnesses for testimony. We develop trial strategy. Our attorneys also prepare opening and closing arguments. We present your case to a judge or jury. We examine our witnesses. Also, we cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses and advocate for maximum compensation. Our trial experience ensures you receive strong representation in the courtroom. Our verdicts and settlements demonstrate our trial success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in California?
California provides a one-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered the injury. You must file within one year of when you reasonably should have discovered it. However, California also imposes a three-year statute of repose. No claim can be brought more than three years after the negligent act occurred. This applies regardless of when you discovered the injury. There are limited exceptions to these rules. These include cases involving foreign objects left in the body or fraud. It is critical to consult with an attorney promptly. This ensures your claim is filed within the applicable deadline. Per California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5, these deadlines are strictly enforced by California courts.
How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice attorney?
Dordick Law Corporation handles medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees or costs. We only recover a fee if we obtain compensation for you. This occurs through settlement or trial verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery. This is typically one-third of the settlement or judgment. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. We are motivated to maximize your compensation. Our fee depends on your recovery. If we do not recover compensation, you owe us nothing. This approach removes financial barriers to justice for injured patients.
What types of damages can I recover in a medical malpractice case?
You can recover economic damages. These include all quantifiable financial losses. This includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. You can also recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering. This includes emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, California law allows punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the defendant. They also deter similar conduct. The amount of damages depends on the severity of your injury. It depends on the impact on your life. It depends on the strength of your case. Our case results show the range of damages we recover.
How long does a medical malpractice case typically take?
Medical malpractice cases vary in duration depending on complexity. Cases also vary depending on whether they settle or go to trial. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within six months to one year. More complex cases involving multiple defendants may take longer. Cases with disputed causation may take two to three years or longer. Cases that proceed to trial typically take longer than settled cases. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible. We ensure we obtain fair compensation. We keep you informed of progress throughout the process. Our litigation team manages timelines strategically.
Do I have a valid medical malpractice claim?
To determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim, we evaluate several factors. We assess whether the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care. We determine whether they breached that duty. We evaluate whether they failed to meet the standard of care. We assess whether that breach caused your injury. We determine whether you suffered damages. We review your medical records and consult with medical experts. We assess these elements. We provide honest assessments of case strength. We discuss realistic settlement ranges and trial outcomes. If we believe your case lacks merit, we will tell you directly. We do not pursue cases unlikely to succeed. Contact our attorneys for a free evaluation.
What evidence do I need to prove medical malpractice?
You need medical records documenting the treatment you received. These records should show the provider’s decisions. You need expert testimony from a qualified healthcare professional. This professional should be in the same or similar specialty as the defendant. They should establish that the provider breached the standard of care. You need evidence establishing causation. This shows that the provider’s negligence caused your injury. You need documentation of your damages. This includes medical bills, wage loss statements, and evidence of pain and suffering. We gather and organize this evidence throughout the litigation process. Our experienced team knows exactly what evidence is needed to win.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you believe you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence in Los Angeles, contact Dordick Law Corporation for a free consultation. Additionally, our medical malpractice attorneys are ready to review your case. Our attorneys answer your questions and discuss your legal options. Our firm represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call (310) 551-0949 today to schedule your free consultation. Our Los Angeles office is conveniently located to serve you.
