Santa Rosa Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Trust Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, to Fight for Your Rights

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a healthcare provider's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, we specialize in representing victims of medical malpractice in Santa Rosa, CA. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of medical malpractice claims and is dedicated to helping you obtain justice.

To learn more about our services and to speak with one of our Santa Rosa medical malpractice lawyers, contact Smith Dollar online or call us at (707) 405-7391 for a free initial consultation.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, deviates from the accepted standard of care, causing injury or harm to a patient. These errors can occur in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Medical malpractice cases are often complex, requiring extensive investigation, expert testimony, and legal expertise to prove negligence and secure fair compensation.

The Elements to Prove Medical Malpractice in California

To successfully pursue a medical malpractice claim in California, the plaintiff must establish the following four legal elements:

1. Duty of Care – The healthcare provider had a duty to provide care based on established medical standards.
2. Breach of Duty – The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, acting negligently or incompetently.
3. Causation – The provider’s negligence directly caused injury or harm to the patient.
4. Damages – The patient suffered measurable harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, additional medical expenses, or lost wages.

California law also has strict procedural rules for filing a medical malpractice claim, including the requirement to serve a notice of intent to sue before initiating legal action. Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, is here to guide you through every step of the legal process to ensure your case is handled with precision and care.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – Failure to diagnose a medical condition properly or delaying a diagnosis can result in severe consequences, including worsened illness or wrongful death.
• Surgical Errors – Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unnecessary damage, can lead to severe complications.
• Medication Errors – Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to check for dangerous drug interactions can cause significant harm.
• Anesthesia Errors – Mistakes in anesthesia administration, including overdoses, allergic reactions, or failure to monitor vital signs, can be life-threatening.
• Birth Injuries – Negligence during childbirth can lead to severe injuries for both the baby and mother, including cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and oxygen deprivation.
• Hospital Negligence – Inadequate staffing, unsanitary conditions, or failure to follow proper protocols can contribute to patient harm.

Who is Liable for Medical Malpractice?

Multiple parties may be held liable for medical malpractice, depending on the circumstances of the case:

• Doctors and Physicians – If a doctor fails to provide competent care, they may be held responsible for malpractice.
• Nurses and Medical Staff – Negligence by nurses, such as failing to monitor a patient’s condition or administering incorrect medication, can lead to liability.
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities – Hospitals can be held accountable for malpractice if they fail to provide adequate training, hire qualified staff, or maintain safe conditions.
• Pharmacists and Drug Manufacturers – If a medication error is caused by incorrect prescriptions, labeling issues, or defective drugs, pharmacists and manufacturers may be held liable.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Cases

In California, medical malpractice claims must be filed within strict time limits. The statute of limitations requires:

• One year from the date the injury was discovered or
• Three years from the date the malpractice occurred

Whichever comes first applies unless an exception, such as fraud, concealment, or the involvement of a minor, extends the deadline. It is crucial to act quickly to preserve your right to compensation. Contact our Santa Rosa medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Compensation Available for Medical Malpractice Victims

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

• Medical Expenses – Costs for past and future medical treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to inability to work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages – In cases of egregious negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, we fight for maximum compensation to help you move forward after experiencing medical malpractice.