Bakersfield Kaiser Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims arise when someone is injured due to the lack of proper care from a medical provider or facility. When that person has a Kaiser Permanente health plan, they must sign a contract that states they agree to arbitrate any disputes for medical malpractice. This contract gives up their right to file a lawsuit and have a trial by jury. Instead, members are required to use a private arbitrator because the mega company claims it is a cheaper and faster process to settle disputes against Kaiser Permanente group doctors and other health care professionals. However, this isn’t always true, so you need a lawyer on your side who is experienced in Kaiser malpractice cases.

What Is Arbitration?

In the case of Kaiser arbitration, medical malpractice disputes are resolved by a neutral third party rather than a judge or jury. Each side will be represented by a lawyer and will use typical civil court rules of procedure to present their evidence and question witnesses. However, instead of a judge or jury deciding the case, the private arbitrator will make a ruling. This decision is final and usually cannot be challenged in appellate court. This is why it is so important to work with a qualified lawyer who has a successful track record handling Kaiser medical malpractice cases.

Types of Medical Malpractice

Health care providers can make serious errors due to negligence that can have a life-long impact on victims. These individuals are often left with disabling injuries that reduce their capacity to live and work in the same manner as before. Common types of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Failure to treat symptoms appropriately
• Medical product liability
• Birth injury
• Surgical errors

Victims may put off consulting with a lawyer because they’re not sure that malpractice has occurred. However, you should keep in mind that California has a statute of limitations for a Kaiser claim, so you should meet with an attorney as soon as possible to have the best chance of maximum recovery.

Bakersfield Medical Malpractice Attorney