Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex and emotionally charged lawsuits in the legal field. When a patient suffers an injury or harm due to the negligence of a medical professional, they may be entitled to file a medical malpractice claim in Georgia. But what exactly happens during a medical malpractice trial in Georgia?
Here’s a breakdown of the general process involved in a medical malpractice trial in Georgia:
Pre-Trial Preparation: Before a medical malpractice trial begins, both the plaintiff (injured patient) and defendant (medical professional or healthcare facility) will engage in a period of discovery. This is when both parties exchange information, evidence, and other relevant documents related to the case. Each party will also depose witnesses, which means they will ask them questions under oath.
Jury Selection: Once both sides have gathered all the necessary information, a jury will be selected. The jury selection process involves questioning potential jurors to determine if they have any biases or conflicts of interest that could affect their ability to be impartial.
Opening Statements: During the trial, each side will make an opening statement to the jury. The plaintiff’s attorney will present their case and explain why they believe the medical professional is at fault, while the defendant’s attorney will present their defense and explain why they believe their client is not at fault.
Presentation of Evidence: Each side will then present their evidence to the jury. This may include medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements. Both sides will attempt to prove their case and discredit the other side’s argument.
Closing Arguments: After all the evidence has been presented, each side will make a closing argument to the jury. This is their final opportunity to convince the jury that their side is right.
Jury Deliberation: Once both sides have presented their arguments, the jury will deliberate and come to a decision. They will decide whether the medical professional is liable for the patient’s injuries or not.
Verdict: The jury will then deliver their verdict, which will determine whether the medical professional or healthcare facility is responsible for the patient’s injuries. If the medical professional is found to be liable, the jury will then determine the amount of damages the patient is entitled to receive.
It is important to note that medical malpractice cases in Georgia have a statute of limitations, which means that there is a limited amount of time to file a claim. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is generally two years from the date of the injury or the date on which the injury was discovered. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as in cases involving minors.
In addition, Georgia also has a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means that the amount of damages a patient can receive may be reduced if they are found to have contributed to their own injuries. For example, if a patient did not follow their doctor’s instructions and this contributed to their injury, their damages may be reduced.
A medical malpractice trial in Georgia can be a lengthy and complex process. It requires the expertise of an experienced attorney who can navigate the legal system and advocate for the rights of the injured patient. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to medical malpractice in Georgia, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected.
As a law firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases in Georgia, we at Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC can help patients who have been injured due to medical negligence by providing legal representation throughout the trial process.
We work closely with our clients to investigate their cases and gather the necessary evidence to support their claims. Our experienced attorneys also help our clients navigate the legal system and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the trial process.
During the trial, we provide skilled and strategic advocacy on behalf of our clients. We present their case to the jury, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the other side’s evidence to ensure that our client’s stories are heard and justice is served.
We have extensive knowledge of Georgia’s medical malpractice laws, including the statute of limitations and modified comparative negligence rule. We use this knowledge to help our clients understand their legal options and work to maximize the amount of compensation they are entitled to receive.
In addition to our legal expertise, we also provide compassionate and personalized support to our clients. We understand that medical malpractice cases can be emotionally challenging, and we are committed to providing our clients with the guidance and support they need throughout the process.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical malpractice in Georgia, contact us at Princenthal, May & Wilson, LLC today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the legal system and get the justice and compensation you deserve.