When you are sick or injured, you trust medical professionals to provide the care you need. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong. Medical errors can cause serious injury, life-altering complications, or even death. In these moments, you need someone who can fight for justice on your behalf.
At Gartlan Injury Law, we believe in holding negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions. Our firm understands the complexities of medical malpractice law and can handle your case with care, determination, and professionalism. Without help from a Dothan medical malpractice lawyer, you could miss out on the money you need to rebuild your life. You deserve justice and fair compensation – and we can help you demand both. For your free consultation, call us or reach out online today.
What Is Considered Medical Malpractice in Alabama?
Medical malpractice in Alabama occurs when a healthcare provider causes their patient harm by failing to use the same reasonable diligence, care, and skill that another practitioner would have used in a similar case.
What Are Some Types of Medical Malpractice in Dothan?
Medical malpractice in Dothan comes in many forms, but some of the most common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Medication errors
- Childbirth injuries
- Failure to treat
- Improper treatment
- Lack of informed consent
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Incorrect or unnecessary medical procedures
What Is the Alabama Medical Liability Act?
The Alabama Medical Liability Act (AMLA) governs medical malpractice cases filed in state court. It outlines specific rules plaintiffs must follow to prove their case and recover compensation. Some of the law’s key provisions include:
- Filing the initial complaint – When someone files a medical malpractice lawsuit in Alabama, state law requires that the complaint include a detailed description of each act of alleged malpractice by the healthcare provider.
- Burden of proof – The AMLA says the plaintiff must provide “substantial evidence” showing the healthcare provider breached the medical standard of care. This provision means plaintiffs must show that another doctor with similar training and experience would have taken different steps in the same situation in which the plaintiff sustained their malpractice injury.
- Expert testimony – Testimony from expert witnesses is crucial in any Alabama malpractice claim. Since the law requires plaintiffs to show that another doctor in the same situation would have acted differently, the AMLA specifies what constitutes a “similarly situated health care provider.”
What Must I Prove to Win a Malpractice Lawsuit?
IIn a medical malpractice lawsuit in Alabama, you must establish four crucial elements to win your case. You must show that:
- The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
- The healthcare provider breached this duty, failing to meet the accepted standard of care.
- The breach of duty led to injury or harm.
- A causal connection exists between the healthcare provider’s negligence and the injury.
What Compensation Can I Recover with a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Medical malpractice injuries often have catastrophic health effects on patients. In some cases, patients suffer permanent harm and may never work again. Or they might experience a sharp drop in their quality of life. An experienced Dothan malpractice lawyer could pursue compensation on your behalf for:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of future treatments
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lower quality of life
