San Francisco Medical Malpractice Lawyer

The world of medical malpractice in the State of California is a unique subset of personal injury cases. These are generally the most difficult to win and the most expensive to litigate often requiring many varieties of expert witnesses.

Often personal relationships are involved because you knew and trusted your doctor and likely feel betrayed by the health care provider at issue. Remember, jurors too have relationships with their doctors as well and draw from those relationships during their deliberations….even though they should not.

In general, being injured because of the negligence of a health care provider is an extremely difficult experience. Fully recovering from such an injury can be a lengthy, painful process that can also be expensive. In fact, following the path toward regaining your health is likely to be more than enough for you to deal with post-accident, and you may not be ready to face the stress of a legal claim. Allow an experienced San Francisco medical malpractice lawyer to advocate on your behalf for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other losses. 

Common Types of Malpractice Cases

Medical Malpractice injury is seen in nearly all aspects of medicine. It can be seen in obstetrics, neurosurgery, orthopedics, internal medicine, gastroenterology, plastic and reconstructive and all throughout medicine. It can be doctor, hospital, nurse, pharmacist or other provider acting below the standard of care causing injury 

Damages Suffered

Every malpractice injury case is unique with its own set of facts and circumstances, but there are several damage categories that generally apply, including:

• Physical injury
• Medical expenses related to your physical injuries in the present and related to your ongoing health needs and projected into the future
• Loss of wages and hours on the job and serious injuries can lead to a diminished earning capacity, to an altered career trajectory, and even to a permanent inability to work if the injury is catastrophic
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and more

These areas of damages are all considered compensatory damages because they are intended to compensate you for the injuries you incurred. When the at-fault party’s negligence is determined to be especially egregious or despicable, however, you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent party rather than to compensate you.  It is the rare medical malpractice case that involves a punitive element, but some certainly do.

Comparative Negligence in California

If you believe that you shared some of the fault in the malpractice that caused you to be injured, you should still consult with an attorney. The State of California addresses this issue with the concept of comparative negligence. Say, for example, you did not take the antibiotics prescribed for the infection you should never have acquired in the first place and your infection did not improve, the court may determine that you share a certain percentage of the fault involved. The compensation you are awarded will be reduced by that percentage rate. You still may have the right to significant recovery, however, so you should always learn about your legal rights. 

If A Health Care Provider’s Negligence Leaves You Injured, Contact a Dedicated San Francisco Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

Medical malpractice cases help victims recover for their medical bills and other losses. If you’ve been injured, the experienced personal injury lawyers at  The Law Office of Scott Righthand in San Francisco have the skill, determination, and knowledge to help you.

Attorney Scott D. Righthand was named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in 2016 and 2020 for his endeavors in Medical Malpractice Law. For more information, please don’t hesitate to  contact us today.

Public Entity Personal Injury Lawyer

Where appropriate we regularly file suit against the State of California and/or its cities, counties, district hospitals, school districts and other public entities. Be aware that there is a 6-month claim requirement for these entities and it is important that you act quickly. Contact the Law Office of Scott Righthand PC if you have a public entity case. Do not delay or rights may be lost.

Statutes of Limitations

Every case has some time limit within when it may be brought. Different types of cases carry different time limits. Contact the Law Office of Scott Righthand PC if you have a serious or catastrophic injury case. Do not delay or rights may be lost.