Los Angeles Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When a Medical Professional Breaks Your Trust, We Step In To Protect Your Future
Medical malpractice is one of the most life-altering experiences a person can face. You trust a doctor, hospital, or healthcare team to diagnose, treat, and care for you. When that trust is broken because of negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial impact can be overwhelming. At The Salem Law Firm, Attorney Edmond E. Salem, and his staff will walk into every medical malpractice case with one priority: to protect people just like you with the truth, the evidence, and the full weight of the law.
These cases require attention to detail. They require persistence. They require a lawyer who is willing to challenge large institutions and the legal teams behind them. I take the time to understand exactly what went wrong, why it happened, and how it has changed your life moving forward.
Your recovery matters. Your safety matters. Your story matters. My role is to make sure that the legal system hears it clearly.
Medical mistakes are preventable. When they happen, it is usually because someone cut a corner, rushed through a decision, failed to listen, or ignored critical information. You are left carrying the consequences. I am here to make sure you do not carry them alone. When you call our office, you get answers in plain language and a plan that gives you control again.
You have legal rights. We can protect them. Call The Salem Law Firm at
(310) 828-7882.
“Hospitals and insurance companies hire teams to protect themselves. I believe patients deserve the same level of protection and the same level of firepower.”
~ Medical Malpractice Attorney Edmond Salem
Understanding Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care.
Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and medical staff are required to act with reasonable skill and attention. When they fail to do so, patients suffer injuries that could have been avoided. That breach of care is the foundation of a malpractice claim. These cases are complex because the medical field contains many specialties, procedures, and standards. Each case depends on expert testimony, detailed records, and a clear connection between the mistake and the harm it caused.
Common forms of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Medication mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Emergency room errors
- Failure to monitor a patient
- Anesthesia complications
These mistakes lead to long-term injuries, preventable suffering, and in the most tragic situations, the loss of a loved one. Medical professionals are responsible for the impact of their negligence, and you deserve a lawyer who will demand accountability.
When you trust a doctor with your health, you should never be the one left paying for their mistakes. Call our firm today
for a free consultation. (310) 828-7882
How Medical Negligence Happens
Most medical errors occur because someone failed to follow established procedures or provide the attention the situation required.
Diagnostic Errors
Diagnostic errors are among the most common and most damaging forms of malpractice. Missing a diagnosis can allow a condition to worsen. A delayed diagnosis can eliminate treatment options. A wrong diagnosis can lead to harmful or unnecessary procedures. In nearly every case, a diagnostic error is preventable with proper testing, accurate evaluation, and careful follow-up.
Diagnostic failures often stem from rushed appointments, failure to listen to patient concerns, incomplete testing, or ignoring clear symptoms.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors range from preventable infections to wrong-site surgeries. These mistakes happen when protocols are not followed or when communication breaks down between surgical team members. Even small errors can result in serious complications. A surgical environment requires precise attention. When that precision is missing, patients pay the price.
Communication Failures
One of the most overlooked causes of medical malpractice is poor communication. Whether it is a shift change in a hospital, a failure to relay critical information, or unclear instructions to the patient, communication errors can have severe consequences. Proper communication is part of the standard of care. When it is absent, neglect follows.
Studies published through U.S. patient-safety research show that medical errors are one of the leading causes of injury and accidental death nationwide, with hundreds of thousands of preventable injuries reported each year. Many of these cases involve missed diagnoses, communication failures, or procedures performed without proper safeguards.
The Impact of Medical Malpractice on Your Life
A medical error creates a ripple effect that moves through every part of your life. Some clients experience long-lasting physical injuries. Others face new disabilities, emotional trauma, or financial hardship due to ongoing care.
These consequences can change the way you work, the way you move, and the way you live.
Medical malpractice cases require careful documentation because the full extent of your injuries may not be clear right away. Many patients experience delayed symptoms or complications that surface over time. That is why thorough investigation is essential.
The law recognizes your right to recover full compensation for both immediate and long-term effects.
Physical Effects
Many victims require surgeries, long-term treatment, or permanent medical support. These injuries impact mobility, independence, and quality of life. A strong legal case must account for every stage of your recovery, not just the early days.
Your physical injuries should be taken seriously. Your legal claim should reflect their full impact.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Betrayal by a trusted medical professional creates emotional trauma that should not be overlooked. Patients often report anxiety, fear of future treatment, or a loss of confidence in the healthcare system. Emotional harm is real harm. It deserves recognition and compensation.
Financial Burdens
Medical malpractice often creates overwhelming financial strain. Treatment becomes costly. Missed work becomes unavoidable. Long-term care becomes uncertain. Your financial stability should not be compromised because someone failed to do their job correctly.
A fair settlement must reflect all financial losses, not just the obvious ones.
Loss of Quality of Life
Many victims experience lasting changes that affect their ability to enjoy everyday activities. Whether it is pain, disability, or emotional distress, the impact on your quality of life matters. The law allows compensation for these losses, and we fight to make sure they are fully valued.
Loss of a Loved One
In the most tragic circumstances, a medical mistake leads to wrongful death. These families deserve answers, accountability, and support. No settlement replaces a life, but a strong legal case can provide stability and acknowledgment of the truth.
How Medical Malpractice Affects Families
Medical negligence rarely affects only one person. Families feel the weight of uncertainty, fear, and financial strain as they try to support a loved one through recovery. Many families struggle to understand how the injury happened, why their concerns were ignored, or what steps to take next.
Caregiving becomes a central part of life. Time away from work becomes unavoidable. Household responsibilities shift. Sleep becomes difficult. The emotional weight is significant. These changes are real damages that the law recognizes.
When a medical error leads to long-term disability or loss of life, the consequences increase dramatically. Families face financial instability, the cost of ongoing care, and sometimes the loss of companionship and guidance.
These losses deserve full legal recognition. A malpractice claim is not just about holding a provider accountable. It is also about securing the resources necessary to support the entire household moving forward.
Why Do Families File Medical Malpractice Claims?
Families pursue malpractice cases to obtain answers, financial support, and accountability. The goal is to ensure the victim receives proper care and that the same error does not harm someone else in the future.
Call our office today at (310) 828-7882. You deserve clarity, support, and a path toward recovery.
Why Medical Malpractice Is So Hard for Patients To Recognize
Most people do not find out a medical mistake has occurred until long after the damage is done. Healthcare providers rarely admit errors directly. Records may be incomplete. Symptoms may appear gradually. Many patients blame themselves or assume that complications are normal after a procedure. This uncertainty leaves victims feeling isolated and unsure of what to do next.
Medical malpractice is often hidden behind technical language, professional titles, and complicated systems. Hospitals investigate internally. Doctors rely on insurance carriers and legal teams. None of them explain what really happened. That is why legal help becomes so important. A malpractice investigation brings clarity and structure to a confusing situation. It reveals whether your treatment followed accepted medical standards and whether the harm you suffered was preventable.
A strong case does not begin with assumptions. It begins with evidence, records, timelines, and experts who can speak honestly about what went wrong. Many of my clients tell me that the greatest relief they feel is understanding the truth. With that truth comes the ability to make the right decisions for your health and your future.
How Do I Know If My Injury Was Caused by Medical Malpractice?
If your condition became worse after treatment, if your symptoms do not match what your doctor predicted, or if something simply feels wrong, you may have been harmed by negligence. The only way to know for sure is through a detailed review of your medical records and an evaluation from qualified experts. We provide that review at no cost.
Common Warning Signs That Medical Negligence May Have Occurred
Medical professionals do not always tell you when something has gone wrong. Patients are often left trying to understand their symptoms without guidance or full information. While not every complication is malpractice, several warning signs may point to negligence.
Unusual pain, unexpected complications, or a sudden change in treatment may signal an error. If your provider seems defensive, dismissive, or unwilling to answer questions, that can also be a sign that the standard of care was not followed. Another warning sign is when different medical professionals give conflicting explanations about what happened or why your condition worsened.
- A treatment outcome far worse than expected
- Delayed diagnosis despite clear symptoms
- Conflicting information from multiple providers
- Doctors who refuse to answer direct questions
- A sudden change in medication, procedure, or treatment plan
- Hospital staff who appear rushed or disorganized
- Medical records that do not match what you were told
Write down your symptoms daily, including changes in pain, mobility, or emotional well-being. This journal becomes valuable evidence when documenting the impact of medical negligence.
How We Investigate Medical Malpractice Cases
A clear and thorough investigation is essential to proving malpractice.
Reviewing Medical Records
Medical records contain critical details about your treatment. We review these documents carefully, looking for inconsistencies, omissions, and deviations from standard care. Our goal is to understand exactly what happened and why.
Working With Medical Experts
Expert testimony is essential in malpractice cases. We collaborate with specialists who can evaluate the care you received, identify errors, and explain how those errors caused your injury. Their insight strengthens your case and provides the foundation for proving negligence.
Identifying System Failures
Many medical errors are not isolated events. They are the result of system failures, understaffing, miscommunication, or improper procedures. By identifying these issues, we show how the negligence occurred and who is responsible.
Documenting Your Damages
Your damages include physical, emotional, and financial losses. We gather evidence from your medical providers, employment records, therapists, and family members to document the true impact of the malpractice.
Preparing for Litigation
Not every case goes to court, but we prepare each one as if it will. A strong file puts pressure on insurance companies and healthcare institutions to settle fairly.
“Most of my clients come to me confused and overwhelmed. The moment we start investigating the truth, you can see their shoulders drop. They finally feel supported. That matters.”
~ Attorney Edmond Salem
Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Different
Medical malpractice cases require specialized knowledge, expert testimony, and strong legal strategy.
Complex Standards of Care
Each medical specialty has its own standards. Proving negligence requires a clear understanding of what a competent professional would have done in the same situation.
Documentation Heavy Cases
Medical malpractice cases involve extensive records. A successful claim requires careful review and organization of thousands of details.
Aggressive Defense Strategies
Hospitals and healthcare providers often fight malpractice claims aggressively. They have teams of lawyers who work to minimize liability. You deserve a lawyer who can stand up to them.
The Importance of Expert Testimony
Without expert support, malpractice cases cannot move forward. Our firm works with leading medical professionals who help prove your case.
Damages Available in a Medical Malpractice Case
Victims of medical malpractice are entitled to compensation for all forms of harm.
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
Call today to learn how we can protect your rights and pursue full compensation. (310) 828-7882.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below the accepted medical standard and causes harm. Not every bad outcome is malpractice. The key question is whether the provider acted with reasonable skill and attention.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim?
California generally requires malpractice claims to be filed within one year of discovering the injury or within three years of the date the malpractice occurred. Some exceptions may apply. Speaking with a lawyer early protects your rights.
How do I know if I have a case?
You do not have to decide on your own. A review of your medical records and a consultation with experts can determine whether negligence occurred.
Do I need expert testimony for my case?
Yes. Expert testimony is required to establish the standard of care and how the provider failed to meet it. Medical experts also explain complex medical terms and standards to the jury, and they can clarify how the breach of duty proximately caused the patient’s injuries or death.
What compensation can I receive?
Compensation may include medical bills, future care, lost income, reduced earning potential, and damages for pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In rare cases, punitive damages may be pursued if you have a court order and meet special pleading requirements.
Will my case go to trial?
Most malpractice claims settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
What does it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. We front the cost of your claim or lawsuit, and we do not charge any upfront fees. You do not pay unless we win your case.
Talk to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you were injured by medical negligence, you deserve clarity, support, and a lawyer who will stand up for you.
Call today for a free consultation. (310) 828-7882.