Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers South Gate, CA

South Gate, CA Medical Malpractice FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in South Gate, California?

  The South Gate Police can be reached at 323-563-5436 for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in South Gate, California?

  Please call the South Gate Police Records Bureau at 323-563-5401 to inquire about the availability of the report you need and make a request. You can also visit the Records Bureau at 8620 California Ave. South Gate, CA 90280 to make your request in person. The bureau is open Sunday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Who can be liable for medical malpractice in South Gate, CA?

  Medical malpractice is an act of omission or negligence by any South Gate healthcare provider. For patient care negligence, the defendants are usually doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, dentists, and doctor’s assistants. If it was found that a hospital hired unqualified healthcare professionals, plaintiffs can also sue the establishment. For cases of medical errors or defects, the pharmacist or drug manufacturer may be potentially liable. If defective medical equipment contributed to the injury, the manufacturer can be included in the case.

• Do you have to go to trial to get medical malpractice compensation in South Gate, CA?

  Not necessarily. While medical malpractice is the top three cause of death in the country, cases get resolved before trial 93% of the time. Some cases get settled before the lawsuit is filed in court, this is called pre-litigation settlements. Meanwhile, the majority of cases get settled after the lawsuit is filed but before the court trial. A consultation with a South Gate medical malpractice lawyer can give you an idea if your case can be resolved pre-trial.

• Is there a deadline for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in South Gate, CA?

  Yes, the state has a statute of limitations of one year from the date the injury was discovered or three years from the date the injury was sustained. This is under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.5. This three-year deadline can only be paused if the South Gate case involves any of the following:

  • Fraud
  • Willful concealment
  • Foreign object inside the patient’s body with no diagnostic or therapeutic purpose

• Can you still sue for medical malpractice in South Gate, if you signed an informed consent form?

  Yes. A signed informed consent form does not give South Gate healthcare practitioners license to conduct medical malpractice or shield them from the repercussions of negligence. You should also consider what constitutes informed consent. The healthcare provider must disclose the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the medical procedure and allow the patient to make inquiries, so that they have sufficient knowledge to make an informed decision.

• Is there a cap on medical malpractice damages in South Gate, CA?

  Through the signing of Assembly Bill 35 in 2022, the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) specifies a $350,000 ceiling on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. If the medical malpractice results in wrongful death, the cap is raised to $500,000. This will take effect starting January 1, 2023. On the other hand, economic damages for medical malpractice lawsuits in South Gate have no amount restrictions.