If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence in Alabama, you may be wondering whether you have a medical malpractice case. Medical errors can lead to serious injuries, long-term health complications, and even death. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and recovering the compensation you deserve.
At Strickland & Kendall, we have been fighting for victims of medical negligence in Alabama since 1994. With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and dedication to pursue justice for those harmed by medical malpractice. If you believe you have a case, call us 24/7 at 800-874-3528 for a free consultation.
What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice in Alabama?
Not every medical mistake qualifies as malpractice. To have a valid claim, you must prove that a healthcare provider’s negligence caused your injury or worsened your condition.
Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim
For a successful case, you must establish the following:
- Doctor-Patient Relationship – The healthcare provider must have owed you a duty of care as part of an established relationship.
- Breach of Standard of Care – The provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in their medical field.
- Causation – The provider’s negligence directly caused your injury or made your condition worse.
- Damages – You suffered significant harm, such as additional medical expenses, lost wages, disability, or emotional distress.
Common examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, and failure to provide proper follow-up care. If you suspect that a medical provider’s actions caused your injury, our attorneys can evaluate your case and determine the best legal path forward.
Alabama’s Medical Malpractice Laws You Need to Know
Alabama has strict laws governing medical malpractice claims, including filing deadlines, expert witness requirements, and damage caps. Understanding these laws is essential for building a strong case.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
Under Alabama law, you have two years from the date of the alleged malpractice to file a lawsuit (Ala. Code § 6-5-482). If the injury was not immediately discovered, you have up to six months from the date of discovery to file a claim. However, Alabama law strictly limits the total filing time to no more than four years from the date of the incident, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
If you fail to file within the statute of limitations, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation. Because medical malpractice cases require extensive preparation, it is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Expert Witness Requirement in Alabama
Unlike some states, Alabama law requires an expert witness to testify that the healthcare provider breached the accepted standard of care. This means:
- The expert must be a licensed medical professional in the same field as the defendant.
- They must testify that the healthcare provider acted negligently and that their actions directly caused harm.
Without expert testimony, most malpractice cases cannot proceed. Our attorneys at Strickland & Kendall work with top medical experts to build strong cases that hold negligent providers accountable.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover for Medical Malpractice?
The damages you may recover in an Alabama medical malpractice case depend on the severity of your injuries and financial losses. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity – Compensation for income lost due to your injury, including any long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by medical negligence.
- Punitive damages – In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Unlike some states, Alabama does not cap damages in medical malpractice cases, meaning victims can pursue full compensation for their losses.
How Strickland & Kendall Can Help You
Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex types of personal injury claims. At Strickland & Kendall, we provide aggressive legal representation to help victims of medical negligence secure the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Us?
- Over $1 Billion in Settlements and Verdicts – Our track record speaks for itself.
- No Fees Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
- 24/7 Availability – We are here for you anytime, day or night.
- Comprehensive Case Investigation – We work with medical experts to build strong cases.
Take Action Today – Call for a Free Consultation
If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Alabama, don’t wait. Contact Strickland & Kendall today for a free consultation. Our legal team will review your case and explain your options.
Call us 24/7 at 800-874-3528
Schedule a Free Consultation – No Fees Unless We Win!
Don’t let medical negligence go unchallenged. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.