Medical Malpractice in Los Angeles: When to Seek Legal Help

Article from Feb 4, 2025

Medical Malpractice in Los Angeles

Medical malpractice in Los Angeles occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. If you suspect medical negligence, understanding your legal rights is crucial to seeking justice and compensation.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, hospital, or healthcare provider deviates from the standard practice, leading to injury or wrongful death. Common examples include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and failure to diagnose serious conditions. Patients who suffer due to medical negligence often experience financial, emotional, and physical hardships, making it essential to seek legal recourse.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

How to Prove Medical Malpractice

To successfully file a medical malpractice claim, the plaintiff must prove:

  1. A doctor-patient relationship existed: Establishing that the healthcare provider was responsible for your treatment.
  2. Negligence occurred: Demonstrating that the provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.
  3. Direct causation: Showing that the negligence directly led to harm or worsened a condition.
  4. Damages resulted: Proving that the patient suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.

Medical malpractice cases require extensive evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and legal documentation. Due to the complexity of these claims, having an experienced attorney is vital.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

How ANTN LAW Can Help

ANTN LAW, led by attorney Arpine Navasardyan, specializes in medical malpractice claims, ensuring victims receive the justice they deserve. If you believe you were harmed by medical negligence, schedule a free consultation today. You can also visit our office in Burbank: ANTN LAW Office.

FAQ

What is the time limit for filing a medical malpractice claim in California?

In California, medical malpractice claims must be filed within one year of discovering the injury or within three years of the negligent act, whichever comes first. Missing this deadline can result in the loss of your legal right to seek compensation.

What compensation can I receive for a medical malpractice claim?

Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term medical care costs. In cases of catastrophic injury, such as permanent disability, additional damages may be awarded.

Do I need an expert witness for a medical malpractice case?

Yes, medical malpractice claims often require expert testimony from another healthcare professional to establish that negligence occurred. An expert can review medical records and provide a professional opinion on whether the standard of care was violated.

Can I sue a hospital for medical malpractice?

Yes, hospitals can be held liable for medical malpractice if they employed the negligent healthcare provider or if systemic issues, such as inadequate staffing or faulty equipment, contributed to the negligence.

What if I signed a consent form before my treatment?

Signing a consent form does not prevent you from filing a malpractice claim if negligence occurred. Informed consent means the patient agrees to treatment with full knowledge of risks, but it does not excuse reckless or negligent behavior by medical professionals.

Where can I get legal help for a medical malpractice case?

Contact ANTN LAW for expert legal representation and a free consultation. You can also visit our office in Burbank: ANTN LAW Office.