Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Medical Malpractice Information
Hundreds of Georgia residents receive medical care every day, and each of them visits a doctor or hospital hoping to get better, not worse. When the care provided falls below standard, however, serious injuries, illnesses, or deaths can result.
Georgia has several rules that apply to medical malpractice cases, but not to other types of injury cases. These added rules and requirements make medical malpractice claims difficult to navigate. An experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorney like those at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. can provide invaluable help when you've been injured by medical negligence and need compensation for the harm you've suffered. Call us at (404) 995-3955 for a free consultation today.
What is "Medical Malpractice"?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional falls below the standard of care in treating a patient, resulting in injury. Medical malpractice may involve a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, a mistake made during treatment or surgery, and other errors. The results of a medical malpractice error can be life-altering. Many cause permanent injuries or even death.
Time Limits on Medical Malpractice Claims
In Georgia, injured patients typically have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in court after an injury. Injuries to children under age five are treated differently, as are injuries caused when a foreign object is left inside the body after a medical procedure. Because other considerations can also affect the running of the statute of limitations, it's important to speak to an attorney as soon as you can about your specific situation.
Expert Testimony Requirements
Georgia law also places an "affidavit of merit" requirement on filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in court. The initial filing must be accompanied by an affidavit from a medical professional that states that the facts of the case justify a negligence claim.
In addition to the affidavit of merit requirement, Georgia requires that a finding of medical malpractice at trial is based on expert testimony. The rules governing who may qualify as an "expert" for the purposes of giving this testimony are detailed and precise. The help of an experienced attorney can also be invaluable for finding medical professionals who can provide affidavits and who qualify to give expert testimony at trial.
Contact Us to Learn More
Medical malpractice represents not only a source of injury, but also a breach of trust. At the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., we work hard to protect the rights of our clients as we fight to win the compensation they need after an injury. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today to speak to one of our experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys.
