Medical malpractice is a complex and often intimidating topic for patients and families. If you suspect you or a loved one has been harmed by a healthcare provider in Phoenix or Maricopa County, you will likely have many questions about what your next steps should be. This guide addresses the most common questions about medical malpractice and provides insight into how our legal team can assist you.
What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider – such as a nurse, doctor, or hospital – fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. The standard of care is defined as the level of care that a reasonably competent provider would have delivered under similar circumstances. Examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis (of infection or any other medical condition), surgical errors, medication errors, or failure to warn about treatment risks.
How Do I Know If I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
To determine if you have a valid claim, some questions to ask yourself include:
- Did you or a family member suffer a severe or unexpected injury during medical care?
- Was the outcome worse than what would normally be expected?
- Has another doctor or your insurance company questioned the care you received?
- Do you suspect incompetence or improper treatment?
- Were you kept in the dark about your condition or treatment?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice case and should request our free consultation.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Medical Malpractice Case?
You must provide evidence that:
- The provider failed to mee the standard of care
- This failure directly caused your injury or worsened your condition
- You suffered significant damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering
Medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of your damages are critical evidence for a medical malpractice claim. If you suspect you or a loved one has a valid case, you should seek immediate medical attention to address your health, request copies of all your medical records, document your symptoms, treatments, and conversations with your providers.
How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Arizona?
Arizona law requires you to file a medical malpractice lawsuit within two years of discovering your injury. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of death. There are some instances, however, in which the deadline is much sooner. For example, if the negligent person works for the state, county, or city (including residents at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix, Banner University Medical Center – Tucson, and Valleywise), you only have 6 months from the date you knew or should have known of the potential negligence to file a notice of claim. If the notice of claim is not filed by the 6 month deadline, you may be precluded from collecting any damages. Also, if the injury is to a minor, the child has until 2 years after his or her 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for Medical Malpractice?
These sorts of cases are incredibly complex, requiring thorough legal knowledge and expert witnesses. Our firm has extensive experience in the medical malpractice field, meaning our resources are vast. These types of lawsuits involve intricate legal procedures, strict deadlines, and substantial paperwork, and our experienced team will manage all the aspects of your case. We will ensure that your claim is handled correctly and efficiently, reducing the risk of costly mistakes. Furthermore, statistics show that victims represented by attorneys are more likely to receive compensation than those who represent themselves. It is just as important to make sure that the attorney you hire is effective. Our attorneys know how to build a strong case, present your evidence in the most compelling manner, and advocate for your rights in the best way possible.
Why Snyder and Wenner?
Choosing Snyder & Wenner means partnering with one of Arizona’s most respected medical malpractice law firms, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Law Firm in Phoenix for our expertise and dedication. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys
meticulously prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring no detail is overlooked and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome. It is no surprise that we have obtained record-setting verdicts and settlements in each decade since the 1980s, and that our lawyers routinely are named Lawyer of the Year for medical malpractice. In fact, Snyder & Wenner has been named a best medical malpractice (and best birth injury) law firm in Arizona for many years. Snyder & Wenner stands out by hiring top medical experts from across the country and only accepting cases with true merit, focusing on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death to create real change for families and the community. Clients consistently praise our firm’s compassion and accessibility, noting that they are treated like family throughout the process. If you want a team that combines national recognition, local experience, and a genuine commitment to your well-being, Snyder & Wenner is the clear choice for medical malpractice representation in Phoenix.
