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Experienced Hamilton Medical Malpractice Lawyers Serving All of Ontario
Our medical malpractice lawyers represent patients across Hamilton and Ontario who have suffered harm due to medical negligence.
Medical malpractice cases are unlike most other personal injury claims. They often involve powerful institutions such as hospitals and organizations like the Canadian Medical Protective Association. These organizations vigorously defend medical malpractice lawsuits against physicians, often regardless of the merit of the claims.
Our experienced legal team has the resources, knowledge, and determination to stand up to these entities. We have insight into the legal profession, and we work alongside medical experts to build strong cases.
Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Complex
Medical malpractice cases are complex because they require proving both negligence and causation through expert evidence.
To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, you must prove both of these things:
- A healthcare provider breached the standard of care
- That breach directly caused your injury
Proving this involves analyzing relevant medical records, consulting specialists, and presenting complex medical evidence.
Unlike other personal injury lawyers, medical malpractice lawyers must deeply understand the areas of medicine involved. These cases often proceed through civil litigation in the Superior Court, making them longer and more demanding than other kinds of claims.
We fight to have your injury classified correctly and ensure your personal injury claim reflects the true scope of your suffering.
What Is Considered Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below accepted standards, resulting in harm.
Not every poor outcome or even clinical error is malpractice. A medical malpractice claim requires proof of all of these:
- A deviation from accepted medical standards
- Injury or damages
- A direct link between the two
These negligent acts may involve doctors, nurses, or other health care professionals and can arise in hospitals or other health care institutions. Sometimes these cases can involve multiple errors made by multiple practitioners.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice
While there is no complete list of possible errors or omissions that can result in injury, some common examples include these kinds of errors:
Misdiagnosis
Failure to correctly diagnose a condition can delay critical medical treatment, worsening outcomes.
Delayed Diagnosis
A delayed diagnosis may allow conditions like cancer or infections to progress unnecessarily, putting the patient’s health at greater risk.
Medication Errors
Medication errors or medication mistakes can result in serious complications or adverse reactions.
Surgical Errors
Mistakes during procedures, including surgical errors or anesthesia errors, can cause severe and long-lasting harm.
Birth Traumas
Birth injury and birth trauma cases, including cerebral palsy, often arise from an obstetrician’s negligence during labour and delivery.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Malpractice Case?
Unfortunately, most medical malpractice cases take several years to resolve.
This is because:
- Extensive investigation is required
- Expert opinions must be obtained
- Medical malpractice litigation is often contested by the health care practitioner or the institution
- Determining the extent of injury often requires additional medical care, and an analysis of the outcome of that care
Many medical malpractice lawsuits proceed further in the legal process than typical personal injury claims. While some settle earlier, others require going to trial.
Understanding Medical Malpractice: A Real-World Scenario
For example, a patient may visit a hospital with symptoms of a serious condition, but due to a delayed diagnosis, they are sent home without proper testing.
Weeks later, the condition worsens, leading to serious injuries such as a brain injury or complications requiring long-term care.
In these situations, proving that earlier intervention would have changed the outcome is critical. This kind of proof requires strong expert evidence.
The Benefits of Working with a Physician Negligence Lawyer
Working with a dedicated medical negligence lawyer offers significant advantages.
Our medical malpractice group provides you with the support you need for your case:
- We have access to qualified medical experts
- We are experienced in medical malpractice law and malpractice law
- We know how to defend medical malpractice actions
- We provide strong advocacy against hospitals and insurers
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless your case is successful.
How Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help
Our dedicated team focused exclusively on serious personal injury and medical malpractice cases will:
- Conduct a thorough case review during your initial consultation
- Gather relevant medical records and evidence
- Work with leading experts to assess negligence
- Build a strong medical negligence lawsuit
- Represent you through every stage of the legal system
We are committed to helping clients who have suffered harm due to medical errors, ensuring they receive fair compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional and physical suffering
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Hamilton
If you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence, you don’t have to face this alone.
Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers are here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you move forward.
Book your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered medical malpractice in Ontario?
Medical malpractice occurs when a health care professional fails to meet accepted standards of care, causing injury. It requires proof of both negligence and causation.
What is the hardest element to prove in a medical malpractice case?
While it can vary from case to case, the hardest element is often causation: proving that the negligence directly caused the injury. In other words, we need to prove that your negative outcome was a result of malpractice and not your medical condition progressing naturally.
How do I prove medical negligence in Canada?
You must show a breach of standard of care and that it caused you harm. This must be supported by expert medical opinions and documentation. Obtaining expert evidence from specialists is often a key component of these types of cases.
Can you sue for medical malpractice in Canada?
Yes. Patients can pursue medical malpractice lawsuits against health care providers or institutions within legal time limits.
What is the most common medical malpractice?
Common claims include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, medication errors, and surgical errors.