
When medical care goes wrong, you need someone who understands both law and medicine. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we’ve helped Michigan families recover from devastating medical errors for decades. We know this situation feels overwhelming, and we’re here to guide you through every step.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet accepted standards of care, thereby causing harm to their patient. According to Johns Hopkins’ research, medical errors claim over 250,000 American lives each year.
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. Medicine involves risks, and complications can occur despite the best of care. That’s why you need a lawyer for medical malpractice who can distinguish between unfortunate results and actual negligence.
We’ve seen cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and birth injuries. Each of these requires careful investigation to prove that providers breached their duty. Our medical malpractice attorneys in Michigan work with medical experts to review records and build strong cases.
Why You Need a Skilled Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases are complex. Healthcare providers have powerful insurance companies that defend them. You need an experienced lawyer for medical malpractice who knows how to level the playing field.
Michigan law requires expert testimony that proves malpractice. You need qualified professionals to testify that your care fell below standards. We maintain relationships with respected experts who provide honest case assessments.
Strict deadlines apply. Michigan gives you two years from when malpractice occurred to file your claim. Exceptions exist, but waiting can destroy cases. Contact us as soon as possible.
Michigan places caps on non-economic damages. Consult with your attorney about how these caps might affect the compensation you receive for your settlement.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
As you look for an attorney to work with, ask about the types of medical malpractice cases they’ve worked on. You need to make sure you’re working with a team that has a successful track record with other cases that are similar to yours. Related experience ensures that the legal team knows the best approach and strategies to help you achieve the best results with your settlement.
We handle various types of medical malpractice cases throughout Michigan:
- Surgical Errors: For example, surgery on the wrong site, instruments left inside the patient, and nerve damage. These mistakes cause permanent disabilities that require additional surgeries and treatment.
- Misdiagnosis: When doctors fail to diagnose cancer, heart attacks, or strokes, patients lose critical treatment time. Early detection can be lifesaving, while failure to detect these problems can be tragic. Sometimes these cases overlap with our wrongful death cases.
- Birth Injuries: Cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy are often the result of oxygen deprivation or improper delivery. These affect children’s entire lives.
- Medication Errors: Wrong medications or dosages harm thousands of people every year. Pharmacists, doctors, and nurses share responsibility.
How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Michigan
Filing requires several steps. First, you need to gather all of your medical records. We handle this step for our clients.
Michigan law requires filing a Notice of Intent 182 days before starting a lawsuit. The best medical malpractice lawyers know how important timing is. Evidence disappears and memories become foggy over time. It’s important to start protecting your rights before these things happen.
What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim of Medical Malpractice
Take these steps if you suspect medical malpractice:
- Seek proper medical care right away.
- Document your symptoms, treatments, and conversations.
- Don’t sign anything without legal advice.
- Avoid posting anything on social media related to your case or that could be used against you.
- Contact a Michigan medical malpractice lawyer immediately.
Many victims are afraid to confront their doctors. But remember, keeping medical staff accountable for their actions protects future patients as well. You’re seeking justice for yourself and helping to prevent anything similar from happening to others.
What You Should Know About Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Choosing the right medical malpractice lawyers determines the outcome of your case. You need to find lawyers with specific experience in medical malpractice. General personal injury lawyers lack the specialization your case requires.
Ask about their track record. For example, how many trials have they handled? Can they hire top experts? Are there any upfront costs?
Medical malpractice lawyers in Michigan face unique challenges when it comes to state law. Our team stays current on any changes that affect cases, and our experience in Michigan helps us get our clients the benefits they deserve.
If medical negligence has caused you harm, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation. We operate on contingency, which means you don’t have to pay anything unless we secure compensation.
Call us at 1-866-642-4529 or use our online contact form. We’re available 24/7 to help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers deliver substandard care that causes harm to a patient. This includes errors in diagnosis, treatment, or aftercare that deviate from accepted standards.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
You may have a case if you can prove that the doctor-patient relationship existed, provider negligence took place, this negligence caused injury, and you suffered specific damages.
What should I do if I'm a victim of medical malpractice in Michigan?
Before you do anything else, seek immediate medical attention. Then, gather documentation, avoid signing documents without review, and contact qualified attorneys as soon as possible.
How much compensation can I receive for medical malpractice?
Compensation varies depending on medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and suffering. Hiring the right legal team is one of the best ways to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your settlement.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in Michigan?
You have two years from the time malpractice occurred to file your case. Exceptions apply for minors or undiscoverable malpractice. Seek legal representation quickly to protect your rights.