Medical Malpractice Attorney in Atlanta, GA
Medical professionals such as surgeons, doctors and nurses are held to certain standards when it comes to the care they provide for patients. Acting in a careless way or even simply neglecting proper communications can end up hurting a patient. At The Finnell Firm, our Altanta medical malpractice attorney represents people who have been injured or have fallen ill due to a medical professional’s negligent behavior.
Medical malpractice and personal injury are the focus areas of our firm. Founding lawyer Robert Finnell has been using the law to help injured victims for more than four decades. He will listen to your story, take the time to educate you about your options and make certain you feel confident with the decision you are making.
Please call us at 706-903-6511 or contact us here to schedule a free initial consultation.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
Our legal team handles a broad range of cases, including ones involving:
- Medical products liability
- Pharmaceutical mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Wrongful death
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Medication errors
- Failure to diagnose
Attorney Finnell has particular experience litigating medical products liability cases involving implants, surgical mesh injuries and lead wire injuries. This is a complex area of law that few attorneys are willing to tackle. At The Finnell Firm, we have the skills and experience necessary to effectively represent our clients and to fully ensure that their rights are protected.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice in Georgia?
Many patients are not aware of their rights when it comes to medical malpractice. What constitutes medical malpractice in Georgia? Here are a few common examples:
Misdiagnosis
When a doctor misdiagnoses a patient, he or she may have to undergo unnecessary surgery, take unnecessary medication or experience worsening symptoms due to a lack of proper treatment. Some diseases, if misdiagnosed, can worsen over time or lead to early death. Other diseases and conditions can lead to lower quality of life due to improper treatment.
Delayed diagnosis
Even a small delay in diagnosing a condition, like cancer, can mean the difference between life and death. Even a few months, for cancer patients, can mean the difference between an inoperable tumor and one that can be treated using standard care. Delayed diagnosis, even when it doesn’t result in death, can result in pain, suffering and lower quality of life for some patients.
Childbirth injuries
Birth complications can affect a child for the rest of his or her life. While childbirth injuries are rare, medical errors can result in death, disability or illness. In some cases, this is due to improper use of forceps or other tools of delivery. In other cases, birth injuries occur because the doctor fails to see that the fetus is in distress. In some cases, birth injuries can affect the mother, causing issues such as back pain, incontinence and even fractures.
Prescription errors
Mistakes in prescriptions can be devastating. Individuals may suffer from the effects of their condition remaining untreated. Others may suffer addictions or side effects from medications they did not need. Improper dosage, improper administration of medication by nursing staff and other errors can result in serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to any of these medical malpractice errors, it is important to understand that you have rights under Georgia law. A personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you in getting a recovery for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact The Finnell Firm today.
How to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Georgia
Filing a medical malpractice claim requires careful preparation and strict compliance with Georgia law. Below are the general steps involved:
- Seek immediate medical care and document your injuries. Your health comes first, and medical records will later serve as critical evidence.
- Consult a qualified medical malpractice attorney in Atlanta. An attorney can review your records, evaluate whether the standard of care was breached and determine if your case meets Georgia’s legal requirements.
- Obtain an expert affidavit. Georgia law requires that a lawsuit be filed with an affidavit from a qualified medical professional identifying at least one negligent act or omission.
- File the complaint in the appropriate court. The lawsuit must be filed in the correct Georgia court within the statutory deadline.
- Engage in discovery. Both sides exchange documents, depose witnesses and consult medical experts to build their cases.
- Negotiate or proceed to trial. Some cases resolve through settlement discussions, while others require presentation before a jury.
Because these cases are technical and vigorously defended, working with an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorney is essential to protect your claim from procedural missteps.
Georgia Medical Malpractice FAQs
If you are considering legal action in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, the following answers address common concerns about medical malpractice claims.
Are medical malpractice cases hard to win in Georgia?
Medical malpractice cases can be challenging. Georgia law requires proof that a health care provider breached the accepted standard of care and that the breach directly caused injury. Insurance carriers and hospitals often defend these claims aggressively, relying on their own experts. A medical malpractice lawyer in Atlanta must carefully analyze records, consult qualified specialists and present clear evidence that links negligence to harm. While complex, strong cases supported by credible expert testimony can succeed when properly prepared.
How long do you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Georgia?
In most situations, Georgia imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date the injury occurred or was discovered. However, there is also a five-year statute of repose that generally bars claims filed more than five years after the negligent act, regardless of discovery. Certain exceptions may apply such as cases involving minors or foreign objects left in the body. Because deadlines are strictly enforced, speaking promptly with a medical malpractice attorney in Atlanta is critical to preserving your rights.
Talk to a Georgia Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a surgical error or another form of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Contact us online or by calling 706-314-8156 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We are happy to schedule weekend and off-site appointments by request.