Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Medical malpractice law in Opelika, United States, is a subset of personal injury law, primarily designed to protect patients' rights. If a healthcare provider in Opelika deviates from established medical standards of practice that lead to patient harm or injury, they could be liable for medical malpractice. This includes errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or managing a health condition.
You may need a lawyer when you suspect that you or your loved one has become a victim of medical negligence. A dedicated malpractice attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for your settlement. Additionally, medical malpractice claims can be complicated due to the medical and legal jargons involved. An experienced malpractice attorney can guide you through this challenging process by dealing with medical documents, negotiating with the other side and possibly even preparing for trial.
In Opelika, like the rest of Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is two years from when the patient discovers or should have discovered the injury. However, a suit may not be filed more than four years after the act of medical wrongdoing took place. For minors below the age of four, a claim can be filed before their eighth birthday. Furthermore, Alabama follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means if a plaintiff is found to be even slightly at fault, they may not be entitled to any compensation.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider causes harm or injury to a patient, due to deviation from the acceptable medical standard of care.
Liability in medical malpractice cases is proven by showing that the healthcare provider owed a duty to the patient, breached that duty by deviating from the accepted standard of care, and this breach resulted in an injury to the patient.
While it is legally possible to represent yourself, medical malpractice claims are complex. It is highly recommended to have professional legal advice to succeed in your case.
No, Alabama does not limit the amount of money that a patient can receive in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
No, not all medical errors are considered malpractice. Only those errors that result from a deviation from the standard of care and result in patient harm are deemed malpractice.
The Alabama State Bar Association and The Medical Association of Alabama are great resources. They offer a range of advice, resources and referral services to help you better understand your situation and what next steps you might need to consider.
If you believe you need to pursue a medical malpractice case, it's essential to consult with an experienced Opelika medical malpractice attorney. This professional can help assess your case, guide you on next steps, including gathering supporting medical records, making a timed filing, and understanding how to navigate the claims process.
