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When medical professionals make preventable mistakes, the consequences can be life-altering. A serious medical error can result in permanent injury, worsening illness, or even death. If you or a loved one was harmed by negligent medical care, an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue accountability and compensation.
Medical malpractice cases are among the most complicated personal injury claims in Georgia. Hospitals and insurance companies aggressively defend these cases, often denying wrongdoing even when mistakes are clear. At The Dixon Firm, our attorneys represent patients and families throughout Atlanta who have suffered harm due to substandard medical treatment.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes injury. The standard of care refers to the level of skill and treatment that a reasonably competent medical professional would have provided under similar circumstances.
Not every poor medical outcome qualifies as malpractice. To bring a valid claim, it must be shown that the provider acted negligently and that the negligence directly caused harm. Medical malpractice claims often involve medical records, expert testimony, and strict procedural requirements under Georgia law.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical negligence can occur at virtually any point in diagnosis or treatment. Some of the most common malpractice cases handled by Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, medication errors, birth injuries, emergency room negligence, and hospital-acquired infections.
Failure to properly monitor patients, communication breakdowns between providers, and inadequate follow-up care are also frequent contributors to serious injuries. These cases often involve multiple defendants, including physicians, hospitals, medical groups, and corporate healthcare systems.
Injuries Caused by Medical Negligence
The harm caused by medical malpractice can range from temporary complications to catastrophic, permanent injuries. Victims may suffer brain damage, organ failure, paralysis, amputations, or severe infections. In the most tragic cases, medical negligence leads to wrongful death.
Beyond physical injuries, malpractice frequently results in overwhelming financial strain. Many patients face repeated hospitalizations, long-term therapy, loss of income, and permanent disability. An Atlanta medical malpractice attorney can pursue compensation that reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of these injuries.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Georgia
Medical malpractice claims in Georgia require proof of four legal elements.
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First, the provider must have owed the patient a duty of care.
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Second, the provider must have breached that duty by failing to meet accepted medical standards.
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Third, the breach must have directly caused injury.
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Finally, the patient must have suffered measurable damages.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Atlanta
In most cases, Georgia law allows two years from the date of the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, the state also imposes a five-year statute of repose, which generally bars claims filed more than five years after the negligent act.
There are limited exceptions involving minors and cases where foreign objects are left inside the body. Missing these deadlines can permanently eliminate your right to compensation, making early legal review essential.
Compensation Available in Medical Malpractice Claims
A successful medical malpractice lawsuit may allow victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Challenging
Hospitals and malpractice insurers invest substantial resources into defending claims. They often argue that complications were unavoidable, that symptoms were atypical, or that the patient’s condition would have worsened regardless of treatment.
These defenses make medical malpractice litigation far more complex than typical personal injury cases. Success requires detailed investigation, expert analysis, and aggressive legal advocacy. An experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer understands how to counter these defenses and build a compelling case supported by medical evidence.
Why Choose The Dixon Firm
At The Dixon Firm, we represent individuals and families harmed by medical negligence throughout Atlanta and across Georgia. Our firm approaches malpractice claims with careful preparation, strategic investigation, and a commitment to holding healthcare providers accountable.
We work closely with respected medical experts to evaluate cases, uncover violations of care standards, and pursue fair compensation for our clients. Our attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll medical malpractice takes and provide guidance at every stage of the legal process.