Rancho Cucamonga Medical Malpractice Lawyer

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At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga medical malpractice lawyer is committed to hold negligent doctors, negligent hospitals, and other negligent health care providers accountable. We fight tirelessly for justice for patients. If you have any questions about medical malpractice laws, we are more than ready to help. Contact our medical malpractice attorney Rancho Cucamonga for a free, fully confidential, and no obligation initial consultation. 

Medical Errors are Dangerous

Medical errors are a serious threat to patient safety. Unfortunately, they are also far more common than many people realize. A study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Many of these mistakes can and should have been avoided with the proper professional care. Indeed, medical errors may happen because of poor training, understaffing, overworked, or other systemic issues within hospitals and other types of health care practices. Patient care should always be the top priority. 

Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice

A medical error is not always medical malpractice. Along the same lines, a poor outcome is not always medical malpractice. The reality is that some medical risks and complications are unavoidable, even with the best care. To constitute medical malpractice in California the error must result from a healthcare provider’s negligence, meaning they deviated from the accepted standard of care. Even if a patient experiences harm, it must be proven that the provider’s actions—or failure to act—directly caused the injury. Medical malpractice comes in many different forms. Our medical malpractice law firm Rancho Cucamonga handles the full range of cases, including: 

  • Delayed Diagnosis: Many medical issues are urgent. Timely care is an absolutely must. A delayed diagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to identify a medical condition within a reasonable timeframe. A delayed diagnosis can be very dangerous. 
  • Doctor Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosis happens when a doctor incorrectly identifies a patient’s condition. Notably, a wrong diagnosis can cause unnecessary harm while the real illness goes untreated. In severe cases, misdiagnosis can result in life-threatening complications. 
  • Medication Errors: Medication errors occur when a healthcare provider prescribes or administers the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or fails to check for harmful interactions. These mistakes can cause severe allergic reactions, overdose, or ineffective treatment. 
  • Anesthesiologist Errors: Anesthesiologist errors happen when too much or too little anesthesia is administered or when a patient’s medical history is not properly reviewed. These mistakes can lead to complications such as brain damage or even death. 
  • Surgical Mistakes: Even a “minor” surgery is a big deal. A mistake during surgery can have catastrophic consequences for the patient. Proper care is an absolute must. Surgical mistakes include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or causing unnecessary damage.  
  • Birth Injuries: Birth injuries occur when medical negligence during labor and delivery causes harm to a baby or mother. Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, nerve damage, or fractures due to improper rough handling. 

Understanding Medical Malpractice Liability in California

It is important for patients and families to remember that neither a doctor nor a medical provider is automatically liable for malpractice because of a poor outcome. A successful malpractice claim requires proving that a patient sustains harm because of improper care. Here are the key things that you need to be prepared to prove as part of a medical malpractice lawsuit in California: 

  1. A doctor-patient relationship was formed (duty of care): 
  2. Substandard care was provided by the doctor/medical professionals (negligence); and
  3. Patient harm happened because of that substandard care (medical malpractice). 

Know the Process in California: Expert Support is Key for a Medical Malpractice Claim

Modern medicine is complicated. It is a highly technical field and specialized expertise is required. With that in mind, many states do not allow patients to simply file a medical malpractice lawsuit if they feel that they have been harmed due to a doctor’s negligence. They must first consult with a qualified expert. However, California is an exception. In California, a Certificate of Merit is not mandated for medical malpractice claims. 

You can file a medical malpractice lawsuit without first getting support from a qualified expert. However, it is effectively impossible to bring a successful medical malpractice lawsuit in California without expert testimony. You need a qualified medical expert—maybe more than one. Our Rancho Cucamonga, CA medical malpractice lawyers are prepared to review your case and connect you with the right professional expert witnesses. 

The Statute of Limitations for Medical Negligence Cases in California

You must initiate a medical malpractice lawsuit before the statute of limitations deadline expires. Determining the statute of limitations can be more complicated in medical malpractice claims than it is in many other types of personal injury cases. The statute of limitations for medical negligence cases is governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5. The general rule is as follows: 

  • A medical malpractice victim has three years from the date of injury to file a claim; or 
  • One year from the date they discovered (or should have discovered) the injury—whichever comes first.

There are a few notable exceptions to this rule. If the case involves fraud, intentional concealment, or the presence of a foreign object left inside the body, the statute may be extended. Further, if the injured victim is a young child (such as in a birth injury claim) the statute of limitations can be expected until his or her eighth birthday. A proactive approach is always best. Do not fall behind a medical malpractice insurance company: Consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer Rancho Cucamonga as soon as possible. 

Note: In California, there is also a 90-day notice requirement before filing a lawsuit. For medical malpractice cases, plaintiffs must notify the defendant of their intent to sue 90 days before doing so. The notice requirement is to encourage the parties to engage in settlement negotiations. 

Medical Malpractice Claims are Defended By Aggressive Insurance Companies

A medical malpractice insurer is a specialized insurance company that provides medical malpractice insurance to healthcare professionals and institutions. It is a type of insurance that is designed to protect doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers from financial losses due to claims of medical negligence. 

A challenge in dealing with medical malpractice insurers is that these companies are notoriously aggressive. They fight hard to settle claims for less—potentially even trying to deny liability altogether. They have experienced legal teams that vigorously challenge claims. Insurers are focused on protecting their own bottom line. 

Recovering Compensation for Rancho Cucamonga Medical Malpractice Victims

Through a medical malpractice lawsuit in California, patients have the right to seek compensation for their damages—including for non-economic losses. However, medical negligence claims are generally defended by highly aggressive medical malpractice insurance companies. They fight hard to pay out less. Our Rancho Cucamonga, CA medical malpractice lawyers help patients and families seek compensation for: 

  • Emergency room care; 
  • Hospital bills; 
  • Other health care costs; 
  • Physical therapy; 
  • Mental health support; 
  • Loss of wages; 
  • Diminished earnings; 
  • Pain and suffering; 
  • Mental distress; 
  • Long-term disability; 
  • Reduced quality of life; and
  • Wrongful death of a family member. 

Note: The California Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) further shapes the legal framework by capping non-economic damages at $250,000. Unfortunately, that means that even if you suffered a serious injury due to medical malpractice, you are restricted to pursuing $250,000 in compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. You can seek compensation for the full value of any non-economic losses, including future medical needs and diminished earning potential. 

Why Rely On Our Rancho Cucamonga Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Medical malpractice claims are notoriously complex. These are highly technical cases. At Saeedian Law Group, we put patients and their families first. With many millions in financial compensation recovered for clients, our case results tell the story. We are proactive and results-focused. Along with other things, our top-rated medical malpractice attorney Rancho Cucamonga is ready to: 

  • Listen to your story and answer questions about medical malpractice laws;
  • Investigate the medical negligence case—gathering evidence to prove fault; 
  • Represent you in settlement negotiations with medical malpractice insurers; and
  • Develop a personalized strategy focused on maximizing your financial recovery.  

Medical Malpractice Claims in Rancho Cucamonga: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Most Common Type of Medical Malpractice?

Diagnostic errors are the leading cause of medical malpractice claims in California and throughout the United States. A timely, accurate, and comprehensive diagnosis is key to getting the proper medical care. Without it a treatment plan may be wrong, too slow, or otherwise inadequate. Other frequent malpractice cases include surgical errors, medication mistakes, and birth injuries. 

What are the Traits of the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga?

Medical malpractice is a specialized area of California law. It is highly technical. You need a Rancho Cucamonga medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. You should also look for a tenacious medical malpractice lawyer who is ready to fight to hold an aggressive medical malpractice insurance company accountable. To learn more about an attorney, please do not hesitate to set up a free, confidential initial consultation. 

What is the Standard of Care (Medical Malpractice Case)?

The standard of care refers to the level of skill, knowledge, and care that a reasonably competent healthcare provider would provide under similar circumstances. It is one of the most important concepts in a medical malpractice case. To prove fault, a plaintiff (injured patient) must prove that the doctor or medical professional failed to meet this standard, leading to harm. Notably, qualified expert testimony is typically required to establish what the proper standard of care was and how the defendant’s actions deviated from it.

Is a Medical Error Always Medical Malpractice?

No. The terms “medical error” and “medical malpractice” should not necessarily be thought of as synonyms. A medical error is not always considered malpractice—mistakes can happen without necessarily being negligent. To qualify as malpractice, the error must result from a deviation from the accepted standard of care and cause harm to the patient. 

What Role do Experts Play in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits in California?

Experts play a huge role in medical malpractice lawsuits. Their analysis helps establish whether negligence occurred and how it caused the patient’s harm. In California, a plaintiff will need expert testimony to successfully pursue a malpractice claim in court. An experienced Rancho Cucamonga, CA medical malpractice lawyer can help you connect with the right expert for your case. 

Should I Accept a Settlement in a Medical Malpractice Case?

It depends on the amount being offered and the value of your case. You should only accept a settlement if it fully compensates you for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any future care needs. Unfortunately, insurance companies often offer low settlements early on in the process. It is their hope that patients will accept before fully understanding the extent of their damages. Our Rancho Cucamonga medical malpractice lawsuit attorney will represent you in settlement negotiations and take your case to trial if it is required to get justice. 

We Represent Medical Malpractice Victims On Contingency

At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga medical malpractice lawyers represent patients and their families on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid when you get paid. There are never any upfront costs or hourly billing rates to worry about. Our interests are fully aligned with your family’s best interests. Your initial consultation with our Rancho Cucamonga medical malpractice attorneys is free, confidential, and without any additional obligations. 

Contact Our Rancho Cucamonga Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Consultation

At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga medical malpractice attorneys are committed to fighting for justice for patients and their families. If you have any questions or concerns about the medical malpractice claims process, we are here to help. Contact us now for a free, no strings attached initial consultation. We handle medical negligence cases in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, and all across Southern California.