Coconino County Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Coconino County Medical Malpractice Attorney

When a medical professional, such as a doctor, harms a patient because they failed to responsibly carry out their duties, their actions could be considered medical malpractice. Over a 10-year period ending in 2023, there were nearly 2,000 medical malpractice claims filed in Arizona alone, and almost $700 million in settlement payments were made as a result of those claims. If you believe you were a victim of medical malpractice, you should speak to a Coconino County medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. If you’re unsure where to start, talking to an expert personal injury lawyer in Coconino County can help you figure out what options you have and how to move forward.

The Kaiser Law Group understands the difficulties victims of medical malpractice face. It can feel like it’s you against the world, and in many cases, it is. Doctors and hospitals have faced medical malpractice claims before, and they know how to legally intimidate victims when they are accused of negligence. Our legal staff knows how to fight back against the medical corporations and their legal teams. We go the extra mile for our clients to protect their interests, from investigation to litigation.

Why Does Medical Malpractice Occur?

The expectations of a medical professional are twofold. Not only do we expect doctors and other medical staff to know what they are doing and be knowledgeable and skilled in their trade, but we also expect them to ideally improve our situation, but even more so, not to harm us or worsen our physical or mental health status while we are in their care. Unfortunately, though, this is not always the case.

While everyone makes mistakes, it is important to understand that not every mistake is unavoidable. When medical professionals do not exercise the utmost care and responsibility in their obligation to protect the safety of their patients, any accident that occurs likely could have been avoided. Furthermore, if it is the reckless behavior, negligence of duties, and/or carelessness of a doctor or other medical personnel that results in patient injury, that patient may be entitled to compensation for medical malpractice.

Types of Medical Malpractice in Coconino County

Arizona law defines various circumstances of medical malpractice a bit differently, and to fully understand the law, it is ideal to speak with a qualified attorney who can explain the laws in terms of a specific situation or case. Generally, medical negligence can occur in the following instances:

• Emergency room treatment
• Doctor’s office examinations
• During and post-surgical procedures
• Hospital stay
• Preventive care, including standard test procedures
• Rehabilitation care
• Medical assessment procedures, such as X-ray tests
• Misdiagnosis
• Failure to diagnose
• Wrongful medication
• Dental procedures
• Sexual misconduct
• Any circumstance in which a medical professional or staff personnel acts in a way that results in harm to their patient

How to File a Claim for Medical Malpractice

In Arizona, complaints of medical malpractice are filed with the Arizona Medical Board. There is a protocol and process that involves a five-day intake period following a claim’s submission. During this time, the intake officer reviews the claim for jurisdiction and refers the case to an investigator depending on the severity of the claim. Then, the claim is investigated, which includes contacting the physician and notifying them of the complaint.

Complaints are subject to a series of reviews by various parties to ensure the validity of all claims. Ultimately, there are three potential outcomes of a claim. Outcome 1 is dismissal; outcome 2 is consideration by the board for non-disciplinary recommendations, probation, suspension, or request for further investigation; or outcome 3, which recommends the claim be subject to a formal hearing of the Arizona Medical Board, Arizona Superior Court, the Arizona Court of Appeals, and ultimately, the Arizona Supreme Court if the previous courts fail to resolve the case.

An experienced Coconino County medical malpractice lawyer can explain the importance of your case moving through the complaint and investigation process and its implications on the likelihood of a settlement for your medical malpractice-related injury. The statute of limitations for alleging medical malpractice is two years from the day the patient knew of or should have known of the malpractice occurring, so it would be in your favor to act swiftly if you believe you are a victim.

FAQs About Coconino County,AZ Medical Malpractice Law

How Much Is a Medical Malpractice Attorney?

Most attorneys will charge a contingency fee for medical malpractice cases. In Arizona, the average rate is around 35% of the final settlement, though this is a loose estimate. The benefit of hiring an attorney is that your chances of a higher settlement improve, and if you lose your case, you essentially won’t owe your attorney any fees. When meeting with legal counsel for the first time, ask for their fees and rates up front.

What Are Medical Malpractice Lawyers Called?

Medical malpractice lawyers or attorneys are often also called medical lawyers. They fall under the umbrella of law that represents personal injury claimants and defendants. Medical malpractice may be one of many areas of personal injury that an attorney might practice, or they may practice medical law and represent medical malpractice cases exclusively.

Who Can Be Charged With Medical Malpractice?

Any healthcare provider can be accused of and/or charged with medical malpractice. To be found guilty of medical malpractice, they have to have contributed to the injury of a patient through their negligent and careless behavior that prevented their patient from receiving complete medical care to the point of harm or injury.

How Do I Know if I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

There are a number of events that could potentially make for a valid malpractice case, including misdiagnosis, late diagnosis, prescription medicine errors, surgical error, failure to order specialized tests, unsatisfactory care, lack of follow-up, lack of informed consent, post-surgical error, or a number of other things. The validity of a case lies in the ability to show evidence of malpractice. The ideal way to know for sure is to speak with a qualified medical lawyer about your situation.

A Coconino County Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help

If you are experiencing discomfort as a result of a medical professional’s ill handling of your care or a lack of care by a medical professional, you may have a medical malpractice lawsuit. Call The Kaiser Law Group to schedule a consultation and learn more about the legal implications of your case. We care and want to help right the wrongs that you may have experienced at the hands of a doctor or other medical professional.