Medical Malpractice
Arizona Medical Malpractice in a Nutshell
Medical malpractice is negligence committed by a professional health care provider, often a doctor, nurse, technician, pharmacist, or hospital worker – resulting in harm to a patient.
Medical negligence occurs when the provider’s treatment falls below the standard of care recognized by those with similar training and experience. A poor medical outcome by itself does not automatically mean malpractice occurred. Determining whether the circumstances support a valid claim often requires a detailed investigation of the medical malpractice case.
A valid medical malpractice claim usually requires evidence that the provider failed to provide appropriate care and that the failure caused serious injury or death.
Medical malpractice cases may involve failure to diagnose, delayed diagnosis, emergency room errors, surgical errors, medication mistakes, nursing errors, hospital negligence, birth injuries, sepsis, stroke, cancer misdiagnosis, or wrongful death.
Common medical malpractice case types we handle include:
Failure to diagnose
Surgical errors
Hospital negligence
View all medical malpractice issues and conditions we handle.
Free confidential consultations: call (602) 648-3200 or contact us online.
Elements Of An Arizona Medical Malpractice Claim
Here is a more detailed explanation of the three basic elements of a medical malpractice claim. For a practical example of how these elements are evaluated together, read
“Case or No Case?”
The health care system in America today often fails to provide quality care to patients which sometimes results in significant harm. We help those injured by the system by bringing medical malpractice lawsuits in courts throughout Arizona. Highly regarded by present and former clients and our peers, we have a distinguished record of success.
Experienced Phoenix, Arizona Based Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Most experienced lawyers recognize that medical malpractice cases are among of the most intellectually rigorous, difficult, expensive and hotly contested cases involving personal injury and wrongful death. They almost always involve complex issues of medicine and law. They are defended by knowledgeable and experienced attorneys and deep pocketed insurance companies which create as many obstacles as possible.
These cases cannot be successfully litigated and tried to a jury by a lawyer with little or no medical malpractice or trial experience. Bill Sandweg and John Ager have been successfully litigating and trying medical malpractice cases for nearly 60 years combined. We have the knowledge and skill necessary to win cases in Arizona courts and a track record that proves it.
In order to successfully litigate medical malpractice claims, a law firm must have the variety of human and financial resources necessary to meet the challenges and overcome the obstacles that always exist.
Our staff includes a full-time nurse consultant and two dedicated medical malpractice paralegals, in addition to our experienced litigation assistants.
The ability to identify and retain leading experts in a variety of fields is critical in every medical malpractice case. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with many highly qualified experts who are able to offer compelling testimony in cases where malpractice had been identified.
These experienced expert witnesses are able to explain to opposing counsel, insurance adjusters and ultimately jurors why a health care provider was negligent, what harm that negligence caused and the resulting damages.
With this kind of support, and the in-house financial capital necessary to fully fund demanding litigation, we are well-prepared to meet the challenges medical negligence cases present.
With the Resources Required to Win Medical Malpractice Cases throughout Arizona
Medical Malpractice Issues and Conditions We Handle
We help the victims of all types of medical malpractice resulting in a variety of injuries and death. A few examples of the more common issues in the cases we handle include:
Key Medical Malpractice Topics
- Allergic Reactions
- Angina
- Aortic Dissection
- Appendicitis
- Birth Injuries
- Birth Trauma
- Bowel Obstruction
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Brain Herniation
- Breast Cancer
- Carcinoma
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cesarean Section
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Emergency Medicine
- Eye Surgery
- Fetal Asphyxia
- Gestational Diabetes
- Heart Attack
- High-Risk Pregnancies
- Hyponatremia
- Infection
- Gallbladder Removal
- Lung Cancer
- Medication Errors
- Malignant Melanoma
- Misdiagnosis of Cancer
- Myocardial Infarction
- Nursing Errors
- Placental Abruption
- Placenta Previa
- Pneumothorax and Hemothorax
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Sepsis or Septicemia
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Subdural Hematoma
- Surgical Emergencies
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Veterans Administration
Arizona and Federal Statutes of Limitation - The Importance of Acting Quickly
Arizona and federal statutes of limitation, the laws governing when a claim must be made, apply to all personal injury cases, including medical malpractice claims. The time can be as short as 180 days. Therefore, if you believe you or a loved one may have a claim, it is important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. Early action will ensure your case can be thoroughly and timely evaluated before the statute of limitations expires.
Learn more about
Medical malpractice statutes of limitations in Arizona
Arizona Medical Malpractice FAQs
What is medical malpractice in Arizona?
Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes injury or death. The provider may be a doctor, nurse, hospital, emergency department, pharmacist, technician, or other medical professional.
Is a bad medical outcome always malpractice?
No. A bad outcome does not automatically mean medical malpractice occurred. A case usually requires evidence that the provider acted below the accepted standard of care and that the failure caused serious harm.
What are common examples of medical malpractice?
Common examples include failure to diagnose and delayed diagnosis, emergency room errors, surgical errors, medication errors, nursing errors, hospital negligence, birth injuries, failure to monitor, sepsis, and wrongful death.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Arizona?
Arizona medical malpractice claims are subject to statutes of limitation, and some deadlines may be short depending on the facts and the type of provider involved. Because deadlines can vary, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What should I do if I think I have a medical malpractice case?
Gather the names of the providers involved, the dates of treatment, any medical records available, and a short timeline of what happened. Then contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer so the case can be reviewed before any deadline expires.
If You or a Loved One Need an Arizona Medical Negligence Lawyer
If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice in Arizona, call our Phoenix, Arizona office at (602) 648-3200 or fill the contact form. Consultations are free and confidential.