Patients and their families who are dealing with the after effects of Atlanta hospital negligence often feel frustrated and confused. They know they deserve some sort of compensation for their suffering,but they don’t know where to even begin the process of seeking recourse.
The legal system is complicated enough – and a hospital negligence case introduces the additional burden of working through technical medical forms and procedures as well. To help you evaluate your own situation and decide whether you should proceed with a lawsuit, here are five frequently asked questions about Atlanta hospital negligence:
How can I tell if I have a good case for Atlanta hospital negligence?
If you experienced a negative outcome at a medical facility, it doesn’t mean that you have a negligence case on your hands. You will have to prove, through expert testimony, your injury (or the patient’s death) occurred as a result of your physician acting unreasonably.
Is an incorrect diagnosis considered malpractice?
Only sometimes. If a doctor’s actions follow the standard of care, misdiagnoses can still occur. If the physician did not follow the standard of care, you may have a case.
What is “standard of care”?
Standard of care refers to the steps a reasonable physician would follow. This standard is defined by the medical community, which is why expert testimony is required in order to define what the standard of care would have been and explain how it wasn’t met in your case.
What is the statute of limitations for malpractice suits?
Each state sets its own statute of limitations for malpractice suits. In the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations is set at two years from the date of injury or death. It’s important to note that the date of injury or death can fall quite some time after the date of the alleged malpractice incident.
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
You have the legal right to request copies of your medical records. You may need to submit requests to several facilities or physicians in order to have a complete medical record. Requests must typically be made in writing, and remember that it could take some time for your request to be fulfilled. Plus, keep in mind that most facilities charge a fee per page of your records.
Once you have gathered this basic information, your next step should be to contact an Atlanta hospital negligence attorney. Asking for a legal and medical malpractice expert opinion is the best way to be sure whether your case could stand up in court. Request a complimentary consultation with the Law Offices of Andrew Goldner about Atlanta hospital negligence by clicking this link or calling our team today at 404.869.1580.