Medical malpractice, liability
and negligence attorney
“(…) (care) accidents are not, by far, the only facts of incompetence or negligence (…) the system (organization, process or resources, for example) is at stake. (…) nobody is really safe, the most competent can be wrong, as well as the most careful.”
– Translation of ‘’Les accidents évitables dans la prestation des soins de santé : la gestion‘’
Medical malpractice and liability lawyers at your service
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. Medical liability deals with the laws governing claims for medical errors and injuries.
Contrary to popular belief, medical errors are not that uncommon. Having studied this phenomenon closely according to the rules governing medical incident disclosure, we have observed that annual reports all point to the same trend: medical errors occur throughout the system and as a result, thousands of Quebecers suffer every year.
If you suspect you are the victim of medical malpractice or a medical error, we recommend consulting a lawyer specializing in medical liability to help clarify your situation, understand your rights and, if necessary, take action to obtain compensation.
How our medical liability attorneys can help you
Fortunately, Medlégal’s expert medical liability and health law attorneys are here to help you:
- UNDERSTAND the circumstances surrounding the medical error and obtain clear answers to your questions.
- TAKE ACTION to obtain compensation for the harm you have suffered and promote accountability within the healthcare system.PREVENT future similar incidents from affecting you and others..
Benefits of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer
Having dedicated their careers to representing victims of medical errors, our lawyers are here to shed light on any uncertainties you may have regarding the quality of care received or complications arising from medical treatment.
Our team offers comprehensive legal services that include everything from gathering initial information to litigation. We examine every aspect of your situation to assess the strengths of your case, while providing you with a realistic perspective on your chances of success.
In case of legal action, the specialists at our Montreal law firm will work to formulate a claim that takes into account all the damages you have suffered, based on current legal rules and case law. You do not have to face this complex process alone! Our dedicated team is here to guide you and help you obtain the justice you deserve.
What are your rights in the event of a medical incident or error?
- Every employee of a healthcare facility and every professional practicing in such a facility must immediately report any incident or accident they observe to the authorities.
- If you are the victim of an adverse event linked, or potentially linked to a healthcare establishment, the establishment’s representatives are responsible for informing you, supporting you and advising you on the measures put in place to prevent the event from recurring.
- You have up to three years to file a medical liability claim. However, this period begins as soon as you become aware of all the elements necessary to take legal action, i.e. proof of fault and the resulting damage.
Our areas of expertise in medical liability
At our medical law firm, our medical liability lawyers are available to support and represent you in appeals related to a variety of circumstances:
- Delay of diagnosis of a condition requiring immediate medical attention in the emergency room (heart attack, ruptured aneurysm, intracranial hemorrhage, ponytail syndrome, epidural abscess, compartment syndrome, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, pulmonary embolism or others);
- Failure in the assessment of suicidal or homicidal risk;
- Lack of surveillance in the emergency room (monitoring of vital signs, state of consciousness, falls);
- Failure to supervise a suicidal person;
- Fault in the administration of medication (wrong medication, wrong dose, poor assessment of allergies, wrong route of administration, wrong frequency of administration);
- Technical fault in performing invasive medical procedures with trauma to anatomical structures (during orthopedic, urological, digestive, gynecological, neurosurgery or during an invasive radiological exam);
- Instrumentation or compresses forgotten in the context of surgery;
- Failure at the operating site where surgery is performed;
- Failure to monitor a pregnancy (prenatal diagnosis, assessment of gestational age, assessment of maternal well-being or fetal well-being, indication whether or not to give birth by natural means);
- Birth injury (indication to perform a caesarean more quickly, indication to perform an instrumental delivery, use of instruments);
- Failure during monitoring of maternal well-being after childbirth;
- Time of diagnosis and treatment of cancer;
- Trauma to a nerve following dental treatment;
- Inadequate dental restorations (non-functional, premature wear, chronic pain);
- Dental malpractice ;
- Submission by a pharmacist of the wrong medication, overdose of medication, problem of drug interaction;
- Failure to indicate or perform manipulation by a chiropractor.
Medical Malpractice in Quebec: Call on our medical liability attorneys to assist you
Do you doubt the quality of the care provided to you? Do you have any unusual after-effects or consequences that you were not warned could occur as a result of your treatment? Are you puzzled by your condition after a medical intervention?
Contact us as soon as possible, as you may be entitled to claim compensation for the damages suffered!
Our other areas of expertise
Discover how our medical liability lawyers at MedLégal can help you with their specialized expertise in various fields, such as health law, forensic psychiatry, human rights, disability insurance, personal injury, and even training in health law in Quebec.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do our medical liability and medical malpractice lawyers assist you?
Our specialized lawyers guide you through every step of your case. They analyze your situation, review your medical records, and determine whether your rights are protected. They prepare all the necessary paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent your interests in court. Their goal is to obtain fair compensation for the damages you have suffered.
2. What is medical malpractice under Quebec law?
Medical malpractice is defined as professional negligence causing harm to a patient. It can result from a misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, botched surgery, or negligent care. In Quebec, for a liability claim to be admissible, it must be proven that there was negligence, harm, and a causal link between the two.
3. In what cases can a doctor or healthcare facility be held liable?
Liability may be incurred if three elements are present:
- Fault: failure to meet professional standards.
- Damage: physical, psychological, or financial harm.
- Causation: the damage is a direct result of the fault.
Examples: misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, avoidable complications during surgery, or negligence in post-operative care.
4. What types of medical errors can give rise to compensation?
Compensable errors include:
- Diagnostic errors (undetected or misidentified diseases)
- Surgical or procedural errors
- Improper treatment or inappropriate medication
- Delays in medical care or follow-up
- Errors related to childbirth or perinatal care
Each case is analyzed individually by a specialized lawyer to determine the admissibility of a claim.
5. What are the obligations and responsibilities of a doctor?
Doctors must act with competence, caution, and diligence. They must inform patients of the risks involved, obtain their informed consent, and provide care that meets professional standards. Any breach of these obligations that causes harm may result in civil liability.
6. How do you initiate medical liability proceedings?
The process begins with a consultation with a specialized lawyer. The lawyer will:
- Evaluate your medical records and your injury.
- Obtain the necessary documents (medical records, expert reports).
- Determine the best strategy: out-of-court settlement or legal action.
- Prepare and file the initial claim if necessary.
Your lawyer will support you every step of the way to protect your rights and maximize your chances of compensation.
7. What are the deadlines for filing a medical malpractice claim in Quebec?
The statute of limitations is generally three years from the time the victim becomes aware of the medical error and the harm caused. In certain cases, such as death or serious sequelae, exceptions may apply. Consulting a lawyer quickly can prevent your claim from being dismissed due to the statute of limitations.
8. What are the costs for a medical malpractice and medical error lawyer?
The costs for a medical liability case depend mainly on the complexity of the case, the number of documents and expert reports to be analyzed, and the time required to prepare and follow up on the case. As each situation is unique, the firm carefully evaluates the case during an initial confidential consultation, which allows us to discuss the options and determine the best approach without any immediate financial commitment.
9. How do I choose a medical malpractice lawyer?
It is essential to choose a lawyer who specializes in health law and medical liability with solid experience in medical malpractice claims. A good lawyer knows how to analyze complex cases, clearly explain your rights, and guide you through each step of the process. Choosing a firm recognized for its proven expertise in this field ensures that you will receive thorough and effective support.
10. Can I consult a lawyer even if I am not sure whether it is a medical malpractice case?
Yes. Even if you are not sure whether a mistake has been made, it is advisable to consult a lawyer quickly. They will be able to analyze your case, determine whether legal action is possible, and explain the steps involved. Failure to act quickly may compromise your rights, particularly due to statutes of limitations.