Southfield Medical Malpractice Lawyer

GOODMAN ACKER. GOOD DECISION.

When you put your health in the hands of medical professionals, you trust them to provide competent care. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen, leaving patients to deal with devastating consequences. If you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence in Southfield or the surrounding areas, a Southfield medical malpractice lawyer from Goodman Acker P.C. can help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.

Our experienced attorneys understand the complex nature of medical malpractice cases and the profound impact they can have on victims and their families. We know that taking legal action against healthcare providers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery. That’s why our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of the process, fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today for a free consultation with a skilled Southfield medical malpractice lawyer who will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.

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Southfield Medical Malpractice Guide

• What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
• What are the key elements of medical malpractice?
• What Damages Are Available to Victims of Medical Negligence?
• What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Michigan?
• Southfield Medical Malpractice FAQs
• Contact the Southfield Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today

Why Choose Goodman Acker P.C. for Your Southfield Medical Malpractice Case

99 PERCENT SUCCESS RATE IN WINNING CASES

The medical malpractice lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. understand Michigan civil law. This crucial knowledge, combined with years of experience, makes us a qualified fit for your case.

The medical field surrounds itself with big insurance companies and lawyers during legal action. You deserve a lawyer who is unafraid to stand up to them at the negotiation table or in court.

Founding partner Barry J. Goodman takes great pride in his accomplishments for past clients. His strong track record demonstrates his ability to represent Michigan medical malpractice victims:

• Leaders in Law, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (2015)
• 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating
• AV® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
• Inclusion on the Super Lawyers® list
• Inclusion on the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2021 Hall of Fame list
• Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys 2019 by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
• The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Personal Injury 2019.

Barry has believed in pursuing justice for the wrongly injured since graduating from law school in 1977. Years of experience, negotiation skills, and trial skills have contributed to client testimonials.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or institution fails to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in harm, injury, or death to a patient. This legal concept is based on the principle that medical professionals have a duty to their patients to provide care that meets accepted medical standards.

Medical mistakes are so common that researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine deem them the third leading cause of death in the United States. A medical error can occur in any medical setting, from a pediatrician’s office to an emergency department.

Examples of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can take many forms, occurring in various healthcare settings and involving different types of medical professionals.

Here are some common examples of medical malpractice:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: When a doctor fails to correctly diagnose a condition or takes too long to identify it, leading to worsened health outcomes for the patient.
• Surgical Errors: These can include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues or organs.
• Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to check for dangerous drug interactions.
• Birth Injuries: Injuries to the mother or child during pregnancy, labor, or delivery due to negligent care.
• Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia or failing to monitor the patient properly during surgery.
• Failure to Treat: Discharging a patient prematurely, not providing appropriate follow-up care, or neglecting to refer a patient to a specialist when needed.
• Lack of Informed Consent: Performing procedures without properly informing the patient of the risks and obtaining their consent.
• Emergency Room Errors: Misdiagnosing critical conditions, delays in treatment, or failing to admit patients who require urgent care.
• Radiology Errors: Misreading X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic images, leading to missed diagnoses or improper treatment.

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What are the key elements of medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice cases require proving specific elements to establish a valid claim.

The four key elements of medical malpractice are:

1. Duty of Care: The first step is to establish that a doctor-patient relationship existed, creating a duty of care. This means the healthcare provider agreed to treat the patient, and therefore, had a responsibility to provide competent medical care according to accepted standards.
2. Breach of Duty: Once the duty of care is established, it must be shown that the healthcare provider breached this duty by failing to provide care that meets the accepted medical standard. This often involves demonstrating that another competent medical professional in the same field would have acted differently under similar circumstances.
3. Causation: It’s not enough to show that a medical error occurred. The plaintiff must prove that the healthcare provider’s breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury or harm. This can be challenging, as many patients are already sick or injured when seeking medical care.
4. Damages: Finally, the patient must have suffered quantifiable harm due to the medical negligence. This can include physical pain, mental anguish, additional medical bills, lost work and wages, or reduced quality of life.

Proving these elements typically requires extensive medical and legal knowledge. At Goodman Acker PC, our experienced Southfield medical malpractice lawyers work closely with medical experts to build strong cases that demonstrate each of these crucial elements, fighting to secure the compensation our clients deserve for their injuries and losses.

What Damages Are Available to Victims of Medical Negligence?

Victims of medical negligence may be entitled to various types of damages, depending on the specifics of their case and the extent of their injuries. The damages available in medical malpractice cases typically fall into the following categories:

• Economic Damages:
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Home modifications or assistive devices
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
• Non-Economic Damages:
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on personal relationships)
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Punitive Damages:
• While less common, these may be awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.
• Wrongful Death Damages:
• In cases where medical negligence results in a patient’s death, the deceased’s family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Damages in these cases can include:
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Michigan law caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, with exceptions for certain severe injuries. The specific amount of compensation available will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Michigan?

State law sets a time limit for how long victims have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Michigan law allows two years from the date of the medical mistake. Cases involving wrongful death have a three-year time limit.

Exceptions to the two years complicate some court filing deadlines. Therefore, hiring an attorney is better than negotiating the legal process alone.

Michigan laws also require healthcare providers to be notified about impending legal action. Your attorney can ensure that your case meets this and all other state requirements.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Medical Malpractice Case?

At Goodman Acker P.C., we bring over 150 years of combined legal experience to your medical malpractice case. Our commitment to honesty, ethics, and client-focused representation means you can trust us to fight tirelessly for your rights and the compensation you deserve. If you retain our services, you can expect us to provide invaluable assistance with your case in several ways:

Case Evaluation

We’ll carefully review the details of your situation to determine if you have a viable medical malpractice claim. Our extensive experience allows us to quickly identify potential instances of negligence.

Investigation



Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering medical records, consulting with medical experts, and collecting evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

Expert Testimony

We have a network of qualified medical professionals who can provide expert testimony to support your claim, explaining how the care you received deviated from accepted medical standards.

Negotiation

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will engage with insurance companies and defense lawyers to seek a fair settlement without needing a trial.

Litigation

We’re can take your case to court if the insurance company won’t accept a fair settlement. Our trial lawyers have a proven track record of success in the courtroom.

Paperwork and Deadlines

We’ll handle all the complex legal paperwork and ensure all documents are filed correctly and within the required deadlines.

Communication



We’ll act as your advocate, handling all communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and opposing counsel, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Damages Calculation

Our team will work to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and long-term impacts, to ensure you seek appropriate compensation.

Emotional Support

We understand how challenging this time can be. Our compassionate approach means we’re not just your legal representatives but also your support system throughout the process.

Southfield Medical Malpractice FAQs

Is a medical malpractice claim different from a lawsuit?

A medical malpractice claim is made with the responsible party’s insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement out of court. A lawsuit is possible if your lawyer determines your case is best suited for a trial or negotiations fail.

Can I accept a settlement without a medical malpractice attorney?

While you can do so, you risk a low-sum settlement or no settlement. A Southfield medical malpractice attorney can protect your best interests.

How long does a medical malpractice case take?

Each case is different, and the length depends upon various factors. Your lawyer will keep you informed throughout the process.

My loved one died due to a medical mistake. Can I sue?

Your relationship with the decedent determines your eligibility for pursuing a wrongful death case. A free case evaluation can help you learn more.

Can I afford to hire a Southfield medical malpractice attorney?

We collect our fees when we win your case. If, for some reason, we do not win your case, you do not owe our legal fees.




Contact the Southfield Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today



Healthcare professionals owe patients a duty of care. But unfortunately, it takes just one careless caregiver to alter your quality of life forever. Tired doctors, stressed nurses or untrained staff are not your problems. But unfortunately, you entrusted your health or that of a loved one to the care of a person, facility, or both, only to experience trauma.

Michigan law protects your right to pursue compensation for your damages. Medical malpractice lawyers from Goodman Acker help clients like you who suffer preventable harm.

Hospitals, trauma centers, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare facilities have someone on their side regarding claims and litigation. You deserve to have someone on your side, too.

Never settle with an insurance company without seeking a lawyer first. The insurance company wants your case to go away for the least amount possible quickly. Protect your best interests by scheduling a free case consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Southfield today. While we cannot guarantee compensation, we take great pride in our 99 percent success rate. 

Contact Goodman Acker PC today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Goodman Acker P.C. – Southfield Office Location

17000 W 10 Mile Rd 2nd Floor
Southfield, MI 48075
(248) 831-1507



LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]