MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEYS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

We rely on medical professionals to provide us with the best possible care when we are sick or injured. However, medical errors do occur and can greatly affect a patient's health and well-being. When these errors are caused by negligence or misconduct, it's known as medical malpractice. 

At Faussette & Faussette, we're dedicated to offering top-tier legal representation to individuals who've suffered due to healthcare professionals' negligence. As a leading law firm in Arizona, we provide fierce representation in medical malpractice cases. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to your justice and will fight to secure the full financial compensation you rightly deserve. 

We believe that by empowering you with knowledge, we can better serve your interests and fight for your rights. Learn about your rights and options when you call our Phoenix personal injury firm today. We offer free consultations and we're proud to serve those throughout the areas of Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Goodyear.  

Medical Malpractice in Arizona

Medical malpractice is a serious concern that arises when a healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing harm to the patient. In Arizona, medical malpractice lawsuits can be filed against any licensed healthcare provider, encompassing physicians, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and physician assistants. 

Medical malpractice laws differ from state to state. In Arizona, there are specific procedural requirements and statutes of limitations that must be adhered to. For example, the statute of limitations for AZ medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date the injury is discovered. This means that if you've been harmed due to a healthcare provider's negligence or deviation from the accepted standard of care, you have two years from the moment you become aware of this harm to file a lawsuit. 

It's important to note, however, that this timeline doesn't begin until the claimant reaches 18 years of age. So if the patient involved in the case is a minor, they have until their 20th birthday to pursue legal action. 

For wrongful death claims related to medical malpractice, a different timeline applies. The lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the death. 

At Faussette & Faussette PLLC, we're well-versed in these nuances and can guide you through every step of the legal process.

Common Medical Malpractice Injuries

Medical malpractice can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common ones include: 

• Failure to diagnose - this can lead to delayed or incorrect treatment, resulting in further complications. 

• Surgical errors - these can range from wrong-site surgeries to leaving foreign objects inside the patient's body. 

• Birth injuries - these can occur during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and they can have lifelong consequences for both the mother and child. 

• Medication errors - these include prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or administering the wrong medication to a patient. 

• Failure to adhere to proper medical procedures - this can include not following proper infection control protocols or failing to obtain informed consent from a patient before a procedure. 

• Failure to warn a patient of known risks - healthcare providers have a duty to inform patients of all known risks associated with a procedure or treatment, and failure to do so can be considered negligence. 

• Prematurely discharging a patient - this can lead to further complications and even death in some cases. 

At Faussette & Faussette, we handle all types of medical malpractice injuries. Put our knowledge and experience in your corner today.  

Who Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice? 

In Arizona, any licensed healthcare provider who deviates from the accepted standard of care can be sued for medical malpractice. This includes:  

• physicians,  

• nurses,  

• physical therapists,  

• dentists,  

• dental hygienists,  

• pharmacists, 

• pharmacy technicians, and  

• physician assistants.  

An expert medical testimony is required to establish that the healthcare provider did not meet the accepted standard of care. Our team at Faussette & Faussette has trusted medical professionals and experts in our network who can provide this testimony and strengthen your case. 

Basic Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim

To establish a medical malpractice claim in Arizona, the following elements must be present:  

1. A doctor-patient relationship must exist: This means that you must have hired the healthcare provider, and they must have agreed to treat you. 

2. The healthcare provider was negligent and/or breached the accepted standard of care: This means that the healthcare provider failed to provide treatment in a manner consistent with how another competent provider would in similar circumstances. 

3. The breach resulted in harm or injury: There must be evidence that the healthcare provider's negligence led to harm or injury. 

4. The harm resulted in damages: This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. 

You aren't expected to know the ins and outs of any type of personal injury claim. That's our job. At Faussette & Faussette, we have a team of skilled and experienced medical malpractice attorneys who will thoroughly review your case, help you file a strong claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Damages Available in a Malpractice Lawsuit

In medical malpractice cases, there are two types of damages that may be available: 

• Actual damages: These include the cost of additional treatment, loss of wages, loss of future wages, and pain and suffering. 

• Punitive damages: These are awarded when medical malpractice results from reckless or intentional behavior on the part of the healthcare professional. 

Note that Arizona does not place caps on medical malpractice claims, but a ratio of punitive damages to actual damages exceeding 9:1 may be deemed unconstitutional.