Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer

You place your trust in medical professionals to uphold their duty to help you when you are in need of medical assistance. Your health is important and should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, healthcare providers can be reckless and fail to uphold their duties. If you have been injured and are dealing with medical providers and their insurance companies, you need help from the medical malpractice lawyers of The Cochran Firm Atlanta. In such cases, our medical malpractice attorneys may file a lawsuit based on the negligent conduct of hospitals, clinics, doctors, physicians, nurses, therapists, dentists, and other medical professionals.

Our experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers & law firm, The Cochran Firm Atlanta, fight for those who have misplaced their trust in medical providers and are injured as a result. In holding medical professionals and their insurers accountable, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys assist victims of medical malpractice by getting them the justice that they deserve.

What Is Considered Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions—or lack thereof—fall below the accepted standard of care, leading to injury or harm. In Georgia, this can form the basis for legal action, but not every medical mistake qualifies. A few common examples include:

  • Unexpected Tragedies: Losing a loved one during a routine or low-risk procedure may point to serious medical negligence.
  • Wrong or Missed Treatment: Being given the incorrect treatment, or receiving none at all, can lead to worsening conditions or preventable complications.
  • Diagnostic Errors: A failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis can delay critical care and cause long-term harm.
  • Surgical Errors: Mistakes in the operating room, from operating on the wrong site to leaving instruments behind, can have devastating outcomes.
  • Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth can impact both mother and child for a lifetime.
  • Medication Mistakes: Prescription errors, incorrect dosages, or pharmacy mix-ups can result in serious, even fatal, consequences.

Each case is unique, and Georgia law requires expert review to prove a provider’s actions deviated from accepted care standards. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, speak with an attorney who understands the state’s legal process and can guide you through your options. At the Cochran Firm Atlanta, we can assess your case and provide you with actionable next steps!

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Medical Malpractice Case?

Medical malpractice isn’t limited to just doctors. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

  • Doctors and Nurses: The most visible caregivers, often directly responsible for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
  • Psychologists and Psychiatrists: Errors in mental health care, such as misdiagnosis or inappropriate medication, can be just as harmful.
  • Hospitals and Clinics: Institutions can be liable for unsafe protocols, underqualified staff, or systemic issues.
  • Medical Groups and Practices: Coordinated care teams may also be accountable if poor communication or oversight led to patient harm.

Do I have a Medical Malpractice Case in Atlanta?

No one is 100 percent perfect, and errors happen to everyone, including doctors. So, how do you know if a mistake/negligence by a doctor is medical malpractice? Many people are unaware that they may have a medical malpractice case. If you have been hurt due to a medical professional’s mistake, it is crucial to seek legal advice from an expert medical malpractice attorney. By contacting The Cochran Firm Atlanta, we can provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case and let you know if you have been injured due to medical malpractice.

What are the Challenges in Handling a Medical Malpractice Case?

Medical malpractice is professional negligence, either by an action or the failure to take action by a caregiver (hospital, doctor, nurse, surgeon, etc.)in a way that differs from the acceptable standards within state law, federal law, and the laws of the medical community.

Unfortunately, the burden of proof will lie on the shoulders of the victim of the medical malpractice. This is not an easy task, as two doctors can treat the same injury or illness differently, even if they have similar backgrounds, training, and expertise.

If you are able to prove that a healthcare professional’s actions resulted in harm to the patient, you will then need to show the extent of the damages (physical, psychological, financial, etc.) incurred as a result of the medical malpractice. This should include hospital bills, doctor bills, lost wages, or other compensation.

How Long Do Medical Malpractice Cases Typically Take?

The timeline for a medical malpractice case can vary widely, but most cases take between one and two years to reach resolution. Several factors influence how long your case may last, and understanding them can help set realistic expectations:

1. Case Complexity
 If your case involves complicated medical issues, multiple healthcare providers, or extensive expert testimony, it will likely take longer to investigate and resolve.

2. Availability of Evidence
 Collecting medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements is essential, but delays in securing this evidence can slow the process considerably.

3. Court Scheduling
 Backlogged court systems and limited availability of judges can lead to additional delays, especially if your case goes to trial.

4. Settlement vs. Trial
 Cases that settle early tend to move faster. If a trial is necessary, expect the process to be more time-consuming due to legal proceedings, preparation, and potential appeals.

What to Expect

While many cases conclude within 12 to 24 months, some may resolve sooner if liability is clear and both sides agree on a settlement. However, more complex or contested cases—especially those involving appeals—can take longer. It's also important to understand that Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing a medical malpractice claim. You must file your lawsuit within two years from the date the injury or death occurred due to a negligent or wrongful act or omission. However, if the injury wasn't immediately apparent, there's a maximum of five years from the date of the malpractice to file a claim. These legal deadlines are critical. Missing them could prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether, which is why it’s essential to speak with an experienced attorney as early as possible.

What to Do if the Hospital Offers You a Settlement?

If a hospital has already approached you with a settlement offer, proceed carefully—this could be a sign they know a serious mistake occurred. Here’s how to protect yourself and your rights:

1. Talk to an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

Never accept a settlement without first consulting a skilled medical malpractice lawyer. At the Cochran Firm in Atlanta, we can assess the full value of your case and ensure you don’t settle for far less than you deserve.

2. Understand What the Offer Really Means

A hospital’s early offer is often a strategic move to avoid a costly trial. It may signal that they’re trying to minimize liability before the full scope of your damages is revealed.

3. Collect and Preserve Evidence

Gather all medical records, bills, and any communication related to your care and the incident. Strong documentation gives your attorney the tools to build a solid case.

4. Think Long-Term

Consider the lasting effects of the malpractice on your health, quality of life, and finances. A good lawyer will help you calculate future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

5. Know Your Options

If the offer isn’t fair, you don’t have to take it. Your attorney can negotiate a better deal—or take the case to court if needed. Knowing your legal options gives you the power to make the right choice.

What solution does The Cochran Firm Atlanta offer to medical malpractice victims?

Sadly, a large number of medical malpractice cases in Atlanta, GA go unclaimed due to the lack of proof or fear on the part of the injured party. In some wrongful death cases, the malpractice may never be detected due to the assumption that the patient passed away as a result of the patient’s disease or injuries. Or, it may happen that the victim gets lured into taking a quick settlement, but it is better to step back for a moment and think.

Health care is expensive even when it is correctly executed. As a victim of medical malpractice, your recovery could be even more expensive, which could seriously disrupt your finances. In this case, it is crucial to file a medical malpractice case. The Cochran Firm Atlanta is the choice for many people looking for a medical malpractice lawyer and law firm in Atlanta, Georgia, with extensive experience representing those injured by a doctor, nurse, dentist, or other healthcare professional.

What’s the first step to getting help with my medical malpractice case in Atlanta?

Trust in our medical malpractice lawyers in Atlanta. Let our experienced legal team fight for you and your loved ones. Call The Cochran Firm Atlanta today at (404) 222-9922 for a free consultation. Our medical malpractice attorneys can help you receive a fair compensation for your losses.

“Our mission is simple. It’s about trust and excellence.” – Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.

Want to file a medical malpractice claim? Contact our medical malpractice lawyers, who have expertise in medical malpractice cases involving anesthesia, surgical errors, nursing malpractice, hospital negligence, cancer malpractice, birth injuries, Stillbirths, delayed diagnosis, and delayed treatment. Call The Cochran Firm Atlanta toll-free at (404) 222-9922, or send us your queries using this inquiry form.