Why Do I Need a Malpractice Attorney? 

Malpractice lawyers specialize in helping people with claims of unethical or negligent behavior from medical, financial, or law professionals. The preventable nature of the behavior is a key indicator of negligence. Generally speaking, if any other professional in a similar field would have handled it differently, a case for malpractice may be present.  

If you believe you’ve been a victim of malpractice, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney. The legal experts at Avera & Smith will listen to your situation and determine if you have a case. If a case is present, they can help you file a claim and support you every step of the way. 

Let’s take a look at some common types of malpractice, though keep in mind that other types do exist. If you think you have a malpractice case, contact Gainesville’s malpractice attorneys today. We’re here for you. 

Medical Malpractice

One of the most common forms, medical malpractice can often lead to serious consequences for victims and their families. While mistakes can happen, medical malpractice claims stem from negligent errors that could have been prevented. If you believe you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, timing is everything as the statute of limitations can be brief. Contact a malpractice lawyer early. 

Types of medical malpractice claims include misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Misdiagnosis is when a doctor or medical professional does not diagnose the correct illness, which can prevent the patient from receiving proper care and treatment. It could also mean otherwise healthy patients receive the treatments they do not need. Delayed diagnosis is similar, as the patient eventually receives proper care, but the delay has caused the patient’s health to further decline. 

Other types of medical malpractice lawsuits include errors made in surgery or injuries sustained during birth, either for the mother or the baby. Both of these can have significant impacts on the victims, potentially needing lifelong medical care to deal with the issue, or worse. Examples include damage to the body, using the wrong amount of anesthesia, and providing inadequate follow-up care. 

Financial Malpractice

Accounting or financial negligence is another form of malpractice. While financial malpractice may not cause bodily injury, it can significantly affect a victim’s financial outlook. 

A common form of financial malpractice lawsuits includes making a preventable accounting error, such as giving bad advice to a client or making an error on a tax return. It can also include overbilling for work performed. Insider trading is another form of financial malpractice. 

Legal Malpractice

Legal malpractice claims can happen, too. Lawyers are bound by duty to competently represent each client. So how do you know when a legal professional really has your back and is not making preventable mistakes? Here are some helpful tips.  

• First, make sure you’re dealing with an experienced lawyer. Good lawyers will help you navigate the legal system and determine if you have a valid case. 
• Your lawyer should also meet every court and filing deadline, except given extreme circumstances (though, in most cases, a good lawyer would be able to seek assistance in meeting deadlines if needed). 
• A good lawyer will also learn your case as though it were their own, making sure to fully understand all the facts so they can present them when needed. 
• Your lawyer should also communicate well, and often, to make sure they’re following your wishes. After all, your lawyer works for you.
• Finally, a good lawyer won’t settle before knowing the full financial impact of your situation and the money you should receive. 

Have Questions? We’re Here for You

Malpractice claims can take several forms, and making sure you have the right malpractice lawyers on your side to deal with it can make all the difference. If you think you’ve been impacted by medical, financial, or legal malpractice, the legal experts at Avera & Smith are here for you. We’ll listen to you, determine if you have a valid case, and stay by your side through the legal process from start to finish.