Delta Medical Malpractice Lawyer
One expects to walk out of a hospital, doctor’s office, or treatment center in better shape. When mistakes are made, the consequences are life-changing and severe. Preszler Injury Lawyers is an experienced medical malpractice law firm in Greater Vancouver. We offer contingency-based representation with no upfront costs or fees to the more than 100,000 residents in Delta, B.C. out of nearby offices in Richmond and Surrey. If you or a loved one have suffered serious harm because of negligence on the part of a healthcare professional, you should not have to dip into your life savings or file bankruptcy to cover medical bills. Contact us to speak with compassionate Delta personal injury lawyers regarding your case. All initial consultations are free of charge and come with no obligation to retain our services.
Causes of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice lawsuits are typically filed when the injuries are catastrophic, severe, life-threatening, or disabling.
Common medical malpractice claims involve:
- Deviation from the standard duty of care
- Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or wrong diagnosis
- Medication errors
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Birth injuries
- Failure to give informed consent
How Much Is A Medical Malpractice Claim Worth In British Columbia?
Quantifying damages is complex, but an experienced medical malpractice lawyer will know how to calculate a fair settlement or jury award. Generally, categories of damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of past and future wages
- Past out-of-pocket medical bills
- The cost of future care
- A portion of your legal fees
- Punitive damages
No matter how severely injured you are, the amount you receive for “pain and suffering” is capped at $330,000.
Preszler Injury Lawyers’ Delta personal injury lawyers will seek the maximum compensation for your future, employing a number of experts who can testify on the need for disability-related home modifications, home aid, and other services if necessary. If you suffered a brain or spinal cord injury, we will negotiate compensation for reduced life expectancy.
In cases of death, families are able to sue for “wrongful death” damages under the Family Compensation Act.
Limitation Period for Medical Malpractice Claims in B.C.
Courts in British Columbia set a limitation date governing when you are allowed to file a lawsuit. If you fail to begin the process before the applicable date, a judge will likely deny your claim. For medical malpractice in Delta, you generally have two years from the last date of negligent treatment. There are exceptions, however.
Minors have until age 21 to commence an action on their own behalf.
Children who are severely disabled have an unlimited limitation period if the injury dates to June 1, 2013, or later.
The general limitation period allows for a “discovery principle,” meaning that the clock starts ticking after the patient knew or should have known the facts upon which the action is based. This principle can extend the limitation period significantly, so it’s best to call a medical malpractice lawyer to learn what legal options are available to you.
