California Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Fighting for Injured Clients

We grow up being taught to trust what our doctors tell us. There are many reasons why this is good advice, as doctors must go through intense training and licensing procedures before they are allowed to deal with our medical problems. Unfortunately, doctors are also human and make mistakes. When this situation arises, you need help from San Diego medical malpractice lawyers.

Below you'll find information regarding common types of medical malpractice claims, the standards of proof that must be met in order for a medical malpractice claim to be successful and finally how you should proceed if you need the help of experienced California medical malpractice lawyers.

Common Types of California Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice claims can arise in a wide array of situations, but like any other legal claim, there are medical malpractice cases that arise in contexts that are more common than others. Below are a few examples of common types of California medical malpractice claims:

• Failure to diagnose a condition - Many medical malpractice claims involve the failure of a doctor to recognize a health problem such that missing it leads to additional harm for the patient.


• Misdiagnosis - Doctors can also diagnose the wrong condition. When this arises, the treatment for the wrong condition can actually make matters worse for the patient.


• Surgical errors - Some of the surgical errors that are committed are nothing short of stunning, including amputating the wrong limb or leaving a surgical instrument inside a patient.


• Birth injury - Tragically, injuries during birth are very common, and these injuries can result in brain damage, joint damage or even Cerebral Palsy.


• Anesthesia error - A mistake with anesthesia is a very dangerous situation. Patients can be left with brain damage and some of these mistakes can be fatal.


• Medication errors - When a condition is diagnosed, it must be treated properly. If a doctor prescribes the wrong medication the results can be catastrophic.

Standards of Proof in a California Medical Malpractice Case

California medical malpractice cases generally proceed in a manner that's similar to general personal injury cases, with one important difference. Instead of having a doctor's conduct compared to that of a reasonable person, his or her conduct must be compared to that of a reasonable doctor in similar circumstances.

What this means in terms of result is that doctors are held to a professional standard based on the assumption that their education, training and expected capabilities are higher than those who do not possess this sort of background. It can also be a difficult standard to prove given the technicalities involved in most medical malpractice cases.

If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of a mistake by medical professionals, you need to seek the help of the California medical malpractice lawyers at the San Diego law firm of Mitchell | Gilleon today. Contact the firm to schedule a free initial consultation.