When medical care in Michigan goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. Victims of medical negligence often face physical pain, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to medical malpractice in Michigan, you need experienced and compassionate legal representation. At Goodman Acker P.C., our dedicated medical malpractice lawyers in Michigan are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the justice you deserve. With a proven track record and a remarkable 99% success rate, we stand ready to guide you through this challenging time and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Goodman Acker for Your Medical Malpractice Claim in Michigan?
Choosing the right legal team is crucial in a medical malpractice case. Goodman Acker P.C. is not just another law firm; we are a team of seasoned professionals deeply rooted in the Detroit community, with over 150 years of combined experience focused exclusively on personal injury law, including complex medical malpractice claims. Our unwavering dedication and extensive resources set us apart, making us the premier choice for individuals seeking a medical malpractice lawyer in Michigan.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our exceptional 99% success rate. This isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice and our ability to secure favorable outcomes for our clients. We understand the intricacies of medical malpractice law in Michigan and possess the strategic insight to navigate even the most complex cases. Many firms shy away from challenging medical negligence claims, but at Goodman Acker, we embrace them. We have the talent, experience, and resources to handle cases that other medical malpractice attorneys in Michigan might deem too difficult. Our established relationships within the Detroit medical community and access to top medical experts further strengthen our ability to build compelling cases on your behalf.
- We offer 24/7 availability for client emergencies, recognizing that legal needs can arise at any time. This accessibility underscores our dedication to providing unwavering support when you need it most.
- We manage all communications with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and the courts, allowing you to concentrate on your health and recovery without the added stress of legal complexities.
- Our history of success speaks volumes, with millions of dollars recovered for clients in medical malpractice cases, demonstrating our capacity to achieve significant financial results.
- Our team includes accomplished attorneys like Tim Sulolli, who are recognized for their tireless advocacy and commitment to achieving winning results for our clients.
- Our firm’s reputation is validated by prestigious awards and recognitions, including listings in Super Lawyers, AV Martindale-Hubbell Ratings, and Top 100 Trial Lawyers, reflecting our standing within the legal community.
- Goodman Acker P.C. is a trusted and respected name regularly featured in news outlets like FOX 17, highlighting our prominence and credibility in Michigan.
- The impact of our work is best illustrated through the voices of our clients. Our client testimonials provide firsthand accounts of how we have made a positive difference in their lives during challenging times.
When you choose Goodman Acker P.C., you are choosing a team of dedicated medical malpractice lawyers in Michigan with a proven record of success. We are committed to delivering justice and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable when medical care falls below accepted standards.
Proven Case Results: Millions Recovered for Medical Malpractice Victims in Michigan
Our track record of successful case results is a clear indication of our capabilities. Medical malpractice lawsuits are inherently complex, requiring a deep understanding of Michigan law, medical procedures, and the ability to effectively negotiate with insurance companies or litigate in court. At Goodman Acker P.C., our Detroit medical malpractice attorneys possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to build strong cases and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. We have consistently secured substantial settlements and verdicts, demonstrating our commitment to maximizing compensation for those harmed by medical negligence. Here are just a few examples of significant results we have obtained for our clients:
- $1.2 million settlement in a Wayne County medical malpractice case, highlighting our ability to secure substantial compensation in complex litigation.
- $1 million settlement for a client who suffered devastating brain damage due to medical malpractice, underscoring our commitment to fighting for victims of severe negligence.
- $735,000 settlement in another Wayne County medical malpractice case, further demonstrating our consistent success in securing favorable outcomes.
- $700,000 settlement for a client who sustained a spinal injury as a result of negligent hospital care, showcasing our expertise in handling cases involving serious injuries.
- $592,500 settlement for a case involving failure to diagnose and treat a serious infection, highlighting our proficiency in cases of diagnostic errors.
- $337,500 settlement for a client whose tongue cancer was not diagnosed in a timely manner, demonstrating our dedication to pursuing justice in cases of delayed diagnosis.
- $137,500 settlement for a woman who fractured her hip due to inadequate supervision at a nursing home, illustrating our commitment to holding facilities accountable for negligence.
These examples represent just a fraction of the life-changing results achieved by the skilled Detroit medical malpractice attorneys at Goodman Acker P.C. For over three decades, founding attorney Barry Goodman, along with our entire legal team, has maintained an exceptional 99% success rate for our clients. Our dedication extends beyond securing financial compensation; we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients and their families.
Understanding Medical Malpractice in Michigan: What You Need to Know
Navigating the legal landscape of medical malpractice can be overwhelming. It’s essential to understand what constitutes medical malpractice and how to determine if you have a valid claim.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
In Michigan, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. Medicine, while advanced, is not an exact science, and not all unfavorable medical outcomes constitute malpractice. To establish medical malpractice, it must be proven that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the patient’s injury. This requires demonstrating that a reasonably competent healthcare professional, under similar circumstances, would have provided a different and safer course of treatment. Due to the complexities involved in medical malpractice cases, seeking guidance from experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Michigan is crucial to assess the viability of your claim.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
Medical malpractice can manifest in various forms, leading to a wide range of injuries. At Goodman Acker P.C., our medical malpractice attorneys in Detroit have extensive experience handling diverse types of medical negligence cases, including:
- Birth Injuries: Injuries to newborns during labor and delivery, often resulting from negligence during the birthing process.
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgery, such as wrong-site surgery, nerve damage, or anesthesia errors.
- Procedural Errors: Negligence during medical procedures, including improper technique or lack of appropriate precautions.
- Prescription Medication Errors: Errors in prescribing or administering medications, leading to adverse drug reactions or ineffective treatment.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Failure to diagnose a condition in a timely manner, allowing the condition to worsen and potentially reducing treatment options.
- Incorrect or Missed Diagnosis: Misdiagnosis or complete failure to diagnose a medical condition, leading to inappropriate or delayed treatment.
- Failure to Prevent Infection: Negligence in preventing or controlling infections, resulting in serious health complications.
Our expertise extends beyond these common types of cases. We represent clients harmed by negligence from various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, chiropractors, dentists, EMTs, and more. If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, regardless of the specific type of negligence, we encourage you to contact our Michigan medical malpractice lawyers for a free consultation.
Building Your Medical Malpractice Case in Detroit
Building a successful medical malpractice case requires a meticulous and strategic approach. When you entrust your case to Goodman Acker P.C., our medical malpractice lawyer in Detroit will take the following steps to build the strongest possible claim:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering all relevant evidence, including medical records, photographs, videos, and eyewitness accounts. We will identify all parties potentially responsible for your injuries.
- Consultation with Medical Experts: We collaborate with highly qualified medical experts who can review your medical records, provide expert testimony on the standard of care, and establish the link between the negligence and your injuries.
- Case Development Based on Michigan Law: We will meticulously build your case based on Michigan medical malpractice laws and relevant precedents, ensuring a solid legal foundation.
- Negotiation for Fair Settlement: We will aggressively negotiate with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and their attorneys to seek a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your damages.
- Litigation and Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate fiercely for your rights in court.
- Ongoing Communication and Support: We are committed to keeping you informed at every stage of the process, answering your questions, and providing the support you need throughout your legal journey.
Proving Negligence: The Key to Your Michigan Medical Malpractice Claim
Establishing negligence is the cornerstone of any successful medical malpractice claim. While unfavorable medical outcomes can occur even with proper care, medical malpractice arises from negligence, which must be proven to recover compensation.
The Four Elements of Negligence
To succeed in a medical malpractice case in Michigan, our attorneys must demonstrate the presence of four essential elements:
- Duty of Care: A healthcare provider owes a duty of care to their patients, meaning they must provide medical treatment that meets the accepted professional standards.
- Breach of Duty: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider breaches this duty of care by failing to provide treatment that meets the accepted standard. This could involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up care.
- Injury: The patient must have suffered actual harm or injury as a result of the breach of duty. This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.
- Causation: A direct causal link must be established between the healthcare provider’s breach of duty and the patient’s injury. It must be proven that the negligence directly caused the harm suffered.
Oakland County Bar Association logo, highlighting Goodman Acker's professional affiliations and credibility in Michigan.
To substantiate these four elements, Michigan law requires obtaining an Affidavit of Merit from a qualified medical professional. This affidavit confirms that, based on a review of the case, there is a reasonable basis to believe that medical malpractice occurred. At Goodman Acker P.C., we meticulously prepare every case and secure the necessary Affidavit of Merit before proceeding with negotiations or litigation. Our thorough preparation and commitment to building strong cases maximize our clients’ chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Compensation for Medical Malpractice Victims in Michigan: What Damages Can You Recover?
If you have been injured due to medical malpractice in Michigan, you are entitled to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. These damages are designed to cover both your financial losses (economic damages) and the non-economic harms you have experienced.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
In Michigan medical malpractice cases, you may be able to recover the following economic damages:
- Medical Bills: Compensation for past and future medical expenses related to the malpractice injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Income: Recovery of lost wages, both past and future, resulting from your inability to work due to the injury.
- Transportation Costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to transportation for medical treatment.
- Expenses for Support Services: Compensation for services required due to your injury, such as house cleaning or yard work.
- Funeral Expenses: In cases of wrongful death due to medical malpractice, families can recover funeral and burial costs.
In addition to economic damages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages for:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life caused by the medical malpractice.
Michigan law places a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. As of 2023, the general cap is $537,900. However, this cap is increased to $960,500 in cases involving exceptionally severe injuries such as paralysis, permanent cognitive impairment, or loss of reproductive organs. It’s important to note that Michigan law does not allow for punitive damages in medical malpractice cases.
Our experienced Detroit medical malpractice attorneys at Goodman Acker P.C. will meticulously assess all aspects of your case to ensure that all your losses, both economic and non-economic, are fully accounted for and that we seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Michigan law.
Detroit Medical Malpractice FAQs: Answers to Your Important Questions
We understand that you likely have many questions about medical malpractice claims. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our clients:
Why do I need a medical malpractice lawyer?
Medical malpractice cases are inherently complex, requiring specialized knowledge of both law and medicine. Proving negligence requires expert medical testimony and a thorough understanding of medical standards of care. A medical malpractice lawyer in Michigan can navigate these complexities, build a strong case, and protect your rights.
What damages can I seek in a medical malpractice claim?
You can seek both economic damages (medical bills, lost income, etc.) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) to compensate you for the harm caused by medical malpractice. The specific damages available will depend on the details of your case.
Who can I sue in a medical malpractice case?
You can sue individual healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and specialists, as well as hospitals and other healthcare facilities if their negligence contributed to your injuries.
How much will it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer?
At Goodman Acker P.C., we offer free consultations to evaluate your case. If we take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
Can I sue a hospital for medical malpractice?
Yes, hospitals can be held liable for medical malpractice if their policies, procedures, or negligence of their employees contributed to your injuries. You can also sue both the individual provider and the hospital in some cases.
What about medication errors? Are those medical malpractice?
Yes, medication errors, including incorrect dosages, dangerous drug interactions, and prescription errors, can constitute medical malpractice if they result in harm to the patient due to negligence.
If you have further questions or believe you may have a medical malpractice claim, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our medical malpractice lawyers in Detroit. We are here to provide the answers and guidance you need.
Medical Malpractice Laws in Michigan: Time Limits to File Your Claim
It is crucial to act promptly if you believe you have a medical malpractice claim in Michigan due to the statutes of limitations. These laws set deadlines for filing lawsuits, and failing to meet these deadlines can forever bar your ability to recover compensation.
In Michigan, the general statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years from the date of the negligent act. However, there are exceptions and complexities to this rule. If the malpractice is not discovered immediately, you have six months from the date of discovery to file a claim, but in no event can a claim be filed more than six years after the date of the malpractice.
In cases of wrongful death resulting from medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury.
These time limits can be complex and depend on the specific circumstances of your case. It is essential to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer in Michigan as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations and your rights are protected.
Don’t delay seeking legal advice. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today for a free consultation. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Michigan are ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us now at 248-286-8100.
Goodman Acker P.C. – Headquarters
17000 W 10 Mile Rd 2nd Floor Southfield, MI 48075 (248) 831-1507
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY J. SCOTT FANZINI
J. Scott Fanzini graduated from law school in the top ten percent of his class. He has been the lead attorney on numerous high-exposure cases tried before a jury in both Michigan and Indiana. Scott advises individuals and businesses involved in complex legal disputes, including in professional liability matters such as medical and legal malpractice, first- and third-party liability matters, catastrophic claims, business litigation, and appeals. [ Attorney Bio ]
