Accomplished Nephrology Medical Malpractice Attorneys
- Over 40 Years of Experience
- More Than $3 Billion Secured for Our Clients
- Thousands of Lives Changed
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Nephrologists, also known as kidney specialists, play an important role in your health. These doctors treat the diseases and conditions of the kidneys that are often the root cause of other serious conditions. In fact, your kidneys play a vital role in your health, from regulating blood cells to managing waste and water levels to controlling your blood pressure. Renal failure can quickly turn into a life-threatening condition.
If you or a loved one have suffered permanent injuries because of an inaccurate diagnosis, delay in treatment, or inappropriate treatment by a nephrologist, you should immediately consult an attorney who focuses on medical malpractice.
Call 1-877-692-3862 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.
What Is Nephrology Medical Malpractice?
The role of a nephrologist is to diagnose and treat kidney disorders, but they must also help patients manage kidney-related conditions, which includes incorporating diet and lifestyle changes to prevent or delay the onset of other health conditions. The most common conditions that a nephrologist or other healthcare provider will treat include:
- Kidney stones
- Kidney disease or cancer
- Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes
- Renal failure
- End stage renal disease/dialysis
- Electrolyte disorders
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
In order to determine a diagnosis, a nephrologist may order a urinalysis or other urnine tests, blood tests, biopsy, an ultrasound, or CT scan to pinpoint the problem. However, a failure to diagnose kidney disease—or even failure to order the appropriate tests in a timely manner—can result in damaging consequences such as fluid and electrolyte imbalances or organ failure. This failure may be deemed malpractice.
Malpractice can also occur when a nephrologist and/or other healthcare provider misinterprets test results or prescribes medication that may interact with a patient’s existing health conditions or other prescriptions. The most common injuries that can result from a missed or delayed kidney disease diagnosis include:
- Anemia
- High blood pressure
- Gout
- Fluid retention
- Bone weakness
- Heart disease or failure
- Neuropathy (damage or dysfunction of the nerves)
- Kidney injury
- Renal failure
What Do You Need to Prove in a Nephrology Medical Malpractice Case?
In order to prove that the doctor or other healthcare provider was responsible for the medical injury or worsened condition, an experienced nephrology medical malpractice attorney must demonstrate that the case meets the threshold for malpractice.
- A doctor-patient relationship existed. This first step in proving medical malpractice involves simply demonstrating the doctor-patient relationship with the negligent medical physician or hospital.
- The doctor was negligent. To sue for malpractice, you must be able to prove that the doctor caused harm in a way that a competent physician, under the same circumstances, would not have. The argument regarding whether or not the doctor was reasonably prudent is often the most complex part of a medical malpractice claim. It will almost always require the testimony of a medical expert to discuss how the defendant deviated from the medical standard of care.
- The doctor's negligence caused the condition or injury. The attorney will need to prove that it is—more likely than not—that the doctor's incompetence directly caused the injuries at issue. This will usually require a medical expert to testify.
Even if you’re able to prove that the doctor performed below the expected standards in his or her field, you’ll still need to show how that negligence caused harm. Harms and losses may include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Additional medical bills
- Lost work and earning capacity
How Are Nephrology Medical Malpractice Cases Resolved?
Medical malpractice cases are often complex and time consuming, requiring both a thorough investigation and expert testimony. That’s why you’ll need the help of an experienced malpractice attorney who knows the ins and outs of these types of cases. Throughout the litigation timeline you may expect:
- A preliminary investigation. The attorney will collect information—including medical records and bills, as well as researching applicable federal and state laws—in order to build the case.
- The demand letter. Sometimes the next step involves contacting the healthcare provider and their lawyers, and/or its insurance company, with a demand letter. This notice would demonstrate why the medical provider is responsible for the injury and could explore the possibility of resolving the matter prior to filing the suit.
- Filing a lawsuit. Based on the preliminary investigation, the medical malpractice lawyers will advise you on whether a medical malpractice claim is viable. If and when a complaint is filed, it will be served on all defendants, which will require them to respond to the complaint and be subject to discovery.
- The discovery phase. This refers to the most time-consuming, yet important, part of the case—the exchanging of information between the plaintiff and the defendant. The malpractice lawyer will continue to gather information and evidence to support the medical malpractice claim. The discovery stage will also include taking depositions (questioning parties under oath) and interviewing expert witnesses to support the case.
- Negotiating a settlement or moving forward with a trial. Because of the costs and risks associated with taking a case to trial, most lawsuits are settled before reaching the courtroom. If the case is settled, a settlement agreement completes the litigation process. If the case does go to trial, the facts are argued in front of a judge and jury, who will decide the outcome.
Meet the Janet, Janet & Suggs’ Medical Malpractice Team
Howard Janet has uncovered medical mistakes that other lawyers have missed and represented clients throughout much of the country, recovering record-breaking results. He has authored multiple books, including Navigating a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit, Representing Plaintiffs in Medical Malpractice Cases as lead author and Patients’ Rights and Doctors’ Wrongs—Secrets to a Safer Pregnancy and Childbirth, which he co-authored with Dr. Giles Manley.
Ken Suggs served as president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now known as the American Association for Justice), the leading national plaintiff’s bar association, and has been a relentless advocate for his clients for over 40 years.
Dr. Giles Manley is a board-certified physician who practiced medicine for 20 years before becoming a medical malpractice attorney. He has won a number of seven-figure verdicts on behalf of his clients, combining his medical knowledge and legal experience to secure monumental victories for his clients.
Gerald Jowers represents patients who have been harmed by medical malpractice, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, recovering extraordinary results for clients and their families at the settlement table and in the courtroom.
Why Hire a Compassionate Medical Malpractice Firm Dedicated to the Case?
A medical mistake can cause permanent injuries that change a patient’s life forever. Navigating a lawsuit is incredibly difficult when you’re already dealing with physical and emotional suffering, in addition to financial stress. Partnering with an experienced personal injury firm is a crucial step toward helping a victim of malpractice recover compensation and quality of life.
Janet, Janet & Suggs, LLC, has been recognized by a variety of leading organizations, including Best Lawyers®, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, AV Preeminent ratings by Martindale-Hubbell, and as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms. Many of our attorneys are also listed as Super Lawyers®. These recognitions from leading organizations reflect our continued commitment to working toward securing our clients’ futures when they have been harmed by medical malpractice. Our in-house medical experts and years of experience in high-profile cases provide us with an advantage that works in your favor.
In the course of our more than 40 years in practice, we’ve won multimillion-dollar settlements and jury verdicts for medical malpractice victims in their time of need—and we’re here to seek the full measure of justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We can serve as the counsel and support you need.
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