Georgia Analysis of Medical Malpractice Claims And Common Acts of Malpractice

As a trial lawyer analyzing a medical malpractice claim in Georgia, it is important to understand the specific legal framework and requirements in the state. Georgia has its own set of laws and regulations that govern medical malpractice claims. This analysis will provide a general overview of key considerations when evaluating a medical malpractice claim in Georgia.

Standard of Care: The first step in assessing a medical malpractice claim is determining whether the healthcare provider breached the standard of care. In Georgia, the standard of care is defined as the level of care, skill, and treatment that is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by similar healthcare providers in the same or similar circumstances. Expert testimony from a qualified medical expert is usually required to establish the applicable standard of care and demonstrate its breach. If the case involves emergency care provided in a hospital emergency department, then the standard of care is gross negligence; a higher standard of care that involves proving the claim by clear and convincing evidence. In general, an individual that practices surgery or the administration of medicine must exercise a reasonable degree of care and skill and and resulting injury from a lack Any injury of such care and skill shall be a tort for which a recovery may be had. O.C.G.A. 51-1-27.
Statute of Limitations: It is crucial to consider the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim in Georgia. Generally, in Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the alleged malpractice or from the date the injury was discovered, but it should not exceed five years from the date of the incident. However, there are exceptions and nuances to the statute of limitations, such as cases involving minors or cases where the injury was not immediately apparent. It is essential to consult the specific statutes and seek legal advice to determine the precise deadline in a particular case.
Affidavit of Expert Review: In Georgia, prior to filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff must submit an affidavit of expert review. This affidavit, prepared by a qualified medical expert, attests that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the defendant healthcare provider breached the standard of care, resulting in injury or damages. The affidavit must be filed within 45 days of the defendant’s answer or risk dismissal of the claim.
Damage Caps: Georgia has statutory limitations on certain damages in medical malpractice cases. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are capped at $350,000 per claimant, regardless of the number of defendants involved. However, exceptions to the cap may exist in cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
Comparative Negligence: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, where damages may be reduced proportionally if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for their injuries. If the plaintiff’s fault exceeds 50%, they may be barred from recovering any damages.
Expert Witness Testimony: Expert testimony is often a crucial element in medical malpractice cases in Georgia. The expert witness must be qualified in the same field as the defendant and demonstrate their familiarity with the applicable standard of care. Georgia law also requires the expert to have practiced or taught in the same or similar field as the defendant within the last three years. The expert need not practice or reside in the State of Georgia
Pre-suit Mediation: Georgia law encourages pre-suit mediation in medical malpractice cases. Before initiating a lawsuit, the parties may engage in mediation to explore the possibility of reaching a settlement without going to trial. However, participation in mediation is voluntary, and it does not toll the statute of limitations.
Insurance Coverage: It is essential to evaluate the defendant healthcare provider’s insurance coverage. Medical professionals in Georgia are typically required to carry liability insurance, which may impact the availability of compensation for the injured party.
Expert Witnesses and Resources: Building a strong medical malpractice case requires access to expert witnesses and resources who can review medical records, provide opinions on the standard of care, and testify at trial. Collaborating with medical professionals, consultants, and expert witnesses with relevant expertise can strengthen the case.
Case Evaluation and Strategy: Every medical malpractice claim is unique, and a comprehensive evaluation of the facts, evidence, and legal principles is necessary to develop a winning strategy. This involves gathering and analyzing medical records, consulting with experts, identifying key witnesses, and crafting a persuasive narrative to present to the jury.

When analyzing medical malpractice claims in Georgia, it is helpful to understand some of the most common types of medical malpractice acts that can occur. These acts may form the basis of a claim and involve various medical professionals. Here are some of the most common medical malpractice acts:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to properly diagnose a medical condition or delays the diagnosis, leading to a worsened prognosis or unnecessary harm to the patient. Common examples include misdiagnosis of cancer, heart conditions, infections, or neurological disorders.
Surgical Errors: Surgical errors can encompass a wide range of mistakes, including wrong-site surgery, incorrect incisions, damage to organs or nerves, leaving surgical instruments or foreign objects inside the patient’s body, or performing the wrong procedure. These errors can cause severe complications, infections, or prolonged recovery.
Medication Errors: Medication errors occur when healthcare providers make mistakes in prescribing, administering, or monitoring medication. This can involve prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, failure to consider allergies or drug interactions, or inadequate monitoring of medication effects.
Birth Injuries: Birth injuries can occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery and may result from negligent actions or omissions by healthcare professionals. Examples include failure to properly monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors, failure to perform a timely cesarean section (C-section), or mishandling of complications during childbirth, leading to injuries to the baby or mother.
Anesthesia Errors: Anesthesia errors can involve mistakes in administering anesthesia during surgery or medical procedures. These errors can include inadequate monitoring of the patient, incorrect dosages, allergic reactions, intubation errors, or failure to recognize and respond to complications during anesthesia.
Hospital or Nursing Staff Negligence: Hospital or nursing staff negligence refers to acts or omissions by healthcare providers in a hospital or nursing facility that result in harm to the patient. This can include inadequate patient monitoring, failure to prevent falls or infections, medication errors, or inadequate communication between staff members.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Healthcare providers have a duty to obtain informed consent from patients before performing any medical procedure or treatment. Failure to adequately inform patients about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a procedure, or performing a procedure without obtaining proper consent, may constitute medical malpractice.
Lack of Follow-up or Aftercare: Inadequate post-operative or follow-up care can lead to complications or exacerbation of existing conditions. Failure to provide appropriate aftercare instructions, monitor patients, or promptly address post-operative complications may be considered medical negligence.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and each case will have its own unique circumstances. Medical malpractice claims require a thorough investigation, expert opinions, and legal expertise to establish liability and seek compensation for the injured party. Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Georgia is crucial to understand the specific elements required to pursue a successful claim based on the particular circumstances of the case. The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford is accepting medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the State of Georgia. If you or a loved one has been injured or harmed from medical malpractice, then please contact me today for a free consulation.