Santa Ana Medical Malpractice Lawyer

People who have suffered serious and life-changing injuries through medical malpractice.  Medical malpractice cases are complex and are often best handled by skilled lawyers with extensive experience.

If you or a loved one has a claim, a Santa Ana medical malpractice lawyer could speak to you about what to expect in your case, and how they might help you work towards a positive outcome.

Medical Malpractice Law in Santa Ana

Cases are controlled by several different laws and have very specific deadlines. Failure to follow any of these rules may result in a plaintiff being barred from bringing a case.  There is a time limit to bring a medical malpractice claim in Santa Ana. California Codes of Civil Procedure §340.4 and §340.5 set a three-year time limit on medical malpractice cases, including those involving children or underage minors. There are some exceptions to the three-year rule, but they are used in rare circumstances.

Plaintiffs in Santa Ana are also required to notify the medical provider that caused the injury of their intention to bring a claim and the basis for their claim. After notification, plaintiffs must wait 90 days to file a lawsuit.

The maximum amount of damages that can be awarded for non-economic losses in Santa Ana medical malpractice cases is limited by law to $250,000. However, there is no limit on the number of economic damages—such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earnings—that can be awarded.

Common Sources of Claims

Cases can encompass a wide variety of negligent acts, and cases are not limited only to malpractice committed by a physician. Hospital staff, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and any other healthcare provider that contributed to a victim’s injuries may be held liable for medical malpractice.

Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses may fail to diagnose and treat a medical condition in their patient. If this failure leads to harm or permanent damage, it can qualify as malpractice.

Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes, such as performing the wrong procedure or performing the correct surgery on the wrong organ or limb, occur more often than one might think. Surgical instruments and supplies left behind in the patient’s body can also be grounds for a medical malpractice claim, especially if they cause obstructions, infections, or pain.

Mistakes in Pregnancy & Childbirth

Medical professionals who fail to diagnose harmful or potentially harmful conditions in pregnancy, or who fail to follow the standard of care for treatment of pregnant women, can be liable for any injury to the mother and child their negligence causes.

The birth process is another area of medicine where doctors and medical staff may make mistakes or fail to provide a reasonable standard of care. In the most extreme cases, medical malpractice that harms a newborn can result in multi-million dollar awards if a doctor is held liable for the costs of all economic support and future medical care over the lifetime of the infant.

Contact a Santa Ana Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

Cases have many associated deadlines and rules that can be confusing to the untrained eye. Qualified lawyers in Santa Ana specialize in medical malpractice claims and could help you with your case. Call a Santa Ana medical malpractice lawyer today to see what can be done in your case.