Patients should feel confident that they will receive the best possible care from their doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional. Medical providers have a duty to take appropriate steps to diagnose a condition, suggest a course of treatment, and perform all procedures according to established medical science.
Sadly, this is not always the case. Far too often, medical providers fail to provide adequate care to patients. This may cause additional injuries or worsen an existing condition and, in some cases, may warrant a claim for medical malpractice. At the Gunn Law Group, our seasoned attorneys are here to advise you on your legal options for holding a negligent doctor accountable for their actions. Let a Macon medical malpractice lawyer take the lead in your case and help pursue the compensation you need to set things right.
Defining Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can be a difficult concept to define. Some may assume that any visit to a medical provider that ends with a negative outcome will count as an example of malpractice, but this is not the case.
State law provides a strict definition of medical malpractice. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-1-27, all practitioners must provide treatment to patients with a reasonable degree of skill and care. In other words, a provider must treat a patient as a reasonably skilled peer would do under the same circumstances.
Examples of Medical Negligence in Macon
There are many examples of medical errors which may indicate malpractice. These include, but are not limited to:
- A missed or incorrect diagnosis
- A failure to properly interpret test results
- Not referring a patient to a specialist with the knowledge needed to provide proper care
- Botched procedures
- Improper prescription of medication
In an initial case evaluation, a Macon lawyer could determine whether a medical error constitutes malpractice. If so, a local attorney at our firm could assist injured patients in bringing a medical malpractice claim for compensation.
Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Cases
A medical malpractice case requires the evaluation of medical professionals, meaning that the injured victims and even their attorneys are not qualified to present an opinion on these matters. All medical malpractice cases must rely on the testimony of doctors and dentists who can explain why a defendant’s actions violated the duty of care.
Not just any doctor can serve as an expert. O.C.G.A. §54-7-702 says that the expert witness must be a medical professional practicing in the same area as the defendant. A medical malpractice lawyer in Macon could locate and hire these experts on behalf of injured patients. This is a vital step in any case, as O.C.G.A. §9-11-9.1 requires any complaint alleging malpractice to contain an affidavit from the expert stating that there is a good reason to suspect that malpractice has occurred.
Let a Macon Medical Malpractice Attorney Represent You
Medical providers have an obligation under the law to provide competent care to their patients. This includes following all relevant medical protocols and treating each patient with the necessary care and attention. Sadly, errors due to missed diagnoses, improper medication administration, and botched procedures are common and can cause severe harm. These could justify a demand for compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
A Macon medical malpractice lawyer at the Gunn Law Group is ready to fight for you. Our legal team could explain the concept of malpractice under state law and provide an initial case evaluation. If your case has merit, we can work with expert witnesses to file the proper complaints and prove your case in court. Call our firm today to get started.