Have you or a loved one suffered harm because a doctor, nurse, or another healthcare professional in St. Catharines, ON, failed to provide proper care? Medical malpractice can lead to serious injuries, long-term health problems, or even loss of life. If a healthcare provider’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for both pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you through this challenging time. Founded over four decades ago, our firm has 92 years of combined experience and has secured over $100 million for injured clients. We understand Ontario’s medical malpractice laws and know how to build a strong claim. With our skilled legal team on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.
Contact our St. Catharines medical malpractice lawyers today at (289) 301-9496 for a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you toward fair compensation.
How Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Medical Malpractice Claim in St. Catharines, Ontario
Medical malpractice claims can be complex. Hospitals, doctors, and their insurance companies often have strong legal teams ready to defend them. You need an experienced law firm to stand up for your rights and treat you fairly.
When you hire our St. Catharines personal injury lawyers to help with your case, we can:
- Investigate Internally: We’ll review your medical records, consult with experts, and gather evidence to show that the care you received fell below acceptable medical standards.
- Identify Liable Parties: We’ll find out who is at fault for your injuries — whether a doctor, nurse, hospital, clinic, pharmacist, or another medical professional.
- Calculate Your Damages: We’ll consider both pecuniary losses — like medical bills and lost income — and non-pecuniary losses, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Handle All Communications and Paperwork: We’ll deal with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers so you don’t have to face their pressure or confusing tactics.
- Negotiate for a Fair Settlement: We’ll take your case to court if the other side refuses to offer a fair agreement.
We will work hard to relieve your stress and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Catharines, Ontario, today to get started.
What Is Medical Malpractice in Ontario?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care that a reasonably skilled professional would provide under similar circumstances. This could mean misdiagnosing a condition, performing the wrong surgery, prescribing the wrong medication, or ignoring important symptoms.
To prove malpractice, you must show that:
- The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty by not meeting the standard of care.
- This breach caused your injury.
- You suffered damages (losses) as a result.
If these elements are met, you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim in Ontario.
How Much Is My St. Catharines Medical Malpractice Claim Worth?
The value of a medical malpractice claim depends on many factors. Every case is unique. Some points that influence how much you may receive include:
- The severity of your injury
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses
- Strength of your evidence
Your lawyer can review these factors and give you an idea of what to expect. While there are no guarantees, skilled legal guidance often leads to better outcomes.
We Can Help With Any Type of Medical Malpractice Case in St. Catharines
Medical malpractice can occur in many forms. We have experience handling a range of malpractice cases, including:
- Surgical Errors: operating on the wrong body part, leaving tools inside a patient, or causing unexpected harm during surgery
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: failing to detect a condition in time or misreading test results can lead to worse health outcomes
- Medication Errors: prescribing the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or not checking for harmful interactions
- Birth Injuries: improper use of delivery tools, failure to perform a needed C-section, or poor monitoring during labor can harm both mother and child
- Anesthesia Mistakes: giving too much or too little anesthesia or not monitoring the patient properly
- Infections and Poor Hygiene: not following proper sterilization methods or ignoring infection risks
No matter what type of malpractice occurred, our lawyers will work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Damages Can I Recover By Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Ontario?
In Ontario medical malpractice cases, you may recover two main types of damages: pecuniary and non-pecuniary.
Pecuniary damages cover financial losses with specific dollar values. Examples include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-pecuniary damages cover intangible losses that don’t have a set dollar amount. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship
Ontario law may impose certain guidelines or thresholds for non-pecuniary damages. Your lawyer can explain how these rules affect your claim.
Who Could Be Liable for My Medical Malpractice Injuries in Ontario?
Any healthcare provider who failed to meet the proper standard of care may be liable for your injuries. Possible defendants include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Surgeons
- Pharmacists
- Hospitals and clinics
- Specialists like anesthesiologists or radiologists
Your lawyer will investigate the situation, review medical records, consult experts, and determine who should be held accountable.
How Does Shared Fault Impact a Medical Malpractice Claim in Ontario?
In some cases, the patient might be accused of contributing to their own harm, for example, by not following medical advice. Ontario follows a system of contributory negligence, meaning if you share some fault, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your responsibility.
For instance, if you’re found to be 20% responsible, your damages would be reduced by 20%. Your lawyer can help minimize claims that you contributed to the injury, aiming to protect your right to full compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in St. Catharines?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly charges
- Payment only if you recover compensation
If your lawyer wins your case, they will take a percentage of the settlement or court award as their fee. If not, you owe nothing. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal help, regardless of your financial situation.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Ontario?
Generally, you have two years from the date you discovered or ought to have discovered the injury to bring a lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation. Certain exceptions may apply, such as for minors or situations where you didn’t immediately discover the harm.
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after you suspect malpractice. Early action ensures your lawyer can gather evidence and file paperwork on time.
Contact a St. Catharines Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Case Review
Medical malpractice claims are complex and can be emotionally draining. You need a law firm with experience, knowledge, and a strong record of success. Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers has 92 years of combined experience and has recovered over 100 million dollars for our clients, showing that we have the background and skill to handle your case.
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Call now for a free case review with a trusted St. Catharines medical malpractice lawyer. We’ll listen to your story, outline your rights, and help you move forward. With our team on your side, you can focus on healing while we seek the compensation you deserve.