If you believe you or a loved one may have sustained an injury due to medical malpractice, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. All claims are subject to statutes of limitations, (the time within which you must file a claim) with some being only a matter of months since the infliction of the injury, depending upon the facility where the harm occurred.
Thus, as soon as you believe you might have a medical malpractice claim you should seek the guidance of a California medical malpractice attorney right away. Further, while the degree of severity of a potential birth injury may not be known until a child starts to develop, which may be months to years, talking to a lawyer after a difficult birth or when you suspect an error may have occurred that could affect your child’s life is critical to pursue your rights.
Once you contact a medical malpractice attorney, they will begin the process of reviewing your claim, which generally includes obtaining medical records and beginning an investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injury, and the subsequent impact. An expert is usually required to evaluate whether the steps taken constitute medical negligence.
In some situations, it may be possible for your attorney to settle with the responsible party and hospital without the need of a protracted lawsuit. However, you should be prepared for a lengthier process as it often takes time to investigate, prepare and litigate a medical malpractice action in a successful and meaningful way.
For more information, or if you believe you or a loved one may have sustained an injury due to medical malpractice, please contact the experienced California medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.