Common Questions Answered by our Phoenix, Arizona Medical Negligence Lawyers

The primary goal of our attorneys is to help our clients from Phoenix and elsewhere in Arizona to fully understand their options in pursuing a medical negligence case. Our lawyers have a combined 250 years experience with answering questions and explaining confusing legal terms. We’ve gathered some of the most commonly asked questions and answered them here to help you begin the medical negligence lawsuit process.

What is medical malpractice?

When you go to a doctor’s office or hospital, you have the right to expect knowledgeable, high quality care. Indeed, staff members of hospitals and nursing homes have the duty to provide appropriate and timely treatment. When they fail to do so, the result is often called medical malpractice or medical negligence and can result in injury or even death.

Medical negligence or malpractice can be caused in several situations, such as when needed treatment is delayed, or when a disease is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Following are some of the most common examples of medical malpractice and negligence:

Will my case go to trial?

When clients visit our Phoenix, Arizona firm and find that they have a medical negligence case, this is often one of the first questions that they ask our lawyers. Phillips & Associates will only take a case to trial if they feel that a trial will best achieve the desired results. Our lawyers will carefully consider all the information about your case before deciding whether to take it to trial.

In some cases, reaching a settlement with the defending party is the best course of action. No matter what your situation, our medical negligence lawyers will keep you fully informed at each stage of the lawsuit, making sure to answer any questions you may have.

When should I contact medical negligence lawyers?

If you or a loved one have suffered from medical malpractice or negligence, it is essential that you seek legal recourse as soon as possible. Due to the statute of limitations in Arizona, you must file a medical negligence lawsuit within two years of the alleged occurrence. Our lawyers can take care of everything then.

If you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted two-year period, you will never be allowed to bring a claim against the doctor or hospital that made the mistake. Therefore, quick action is the best way to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you are not sure whether your case merits a lawsuit in the Arizona courts, the medical negligence lawyers of Phillips & Associates can help you to determine the best course of action before time runs out.

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How do your lawyers determine whether I have a case?

There are very specific rules in Arizona law governing the definition of medical negligence. Our lawyers need to do extensive research to determine whether your case falls within those guidelines. In addition to proving that your healthcare provider had the duty to provide you with reasonable care, we must also prove that the provider neglected to carry out this duty and in doing so, caused lasting injury or death.

To make these determinations, we use the services of medical experts who can establish the normal and accepted duties of a doctor, nurse, or hospital. This expert opinion is then combined with your medical records and presented to the defense. In most cases, the doctor or hospital will deny any wrongdoing and a lawsuit becomes the only means for you to seek compensation.

How long will it take to resolve my medical negligence case?

There is no set timeframe for medical negligence cases. Our lawyers will take all the time necessary to compile pertinent information such as medical records and witness statements. Depending on the legal complexity of the situation, most of our Arizona clients from the Phoenix area can expect that their medical negligence cases will be resolved within one or two years. The lawyers of Phillips & Associates are committed to keeping their clients well-informed during every stage of a case; you can rest assured that you will receive impeccable service.

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What can I receive compensation for?

A medical negligence case can affect far more than your health. You may find that your income has been drastically reduced because you are physically unable to work. Often, medical bills are exorbitant and continue to pile up long after care has been received. Pain, suffering, and emotional toll on family members are aspects that only serve to complicate the situation.

The Phoenix, Arizona medical negligence lawyers of Phillips & Associates can seek to recover damages for all of the above hardships. If your case warrants them, you may also be entitled to receive punitive damages that are intended to punish the doctor or hospital for mistakes made.

It is not possible to estimate the amount of compensation you will receive based on past lawsuits. The best way to determine the strength of your medical negligence case is to contact Phillips & Associates for a free consultation.

What is the next step?

If you live in or around Phoenix, Arizona and believe that you have experienced medical negligence, contact the lawyers of Phillips & Associates before the statute of limitations runs out on your case. Your first consultation, during which we can answer all your questions, is absolutely free.

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If you live in Phoenix or surrounding Arizona communities, contact our medical negligence lawyers for a free consultation.