When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Charleston Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical professionals are trusted to provide safe, competent care. When a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to meet that standard, the consequences can be devastating. Medical malpractice can lead to life-altering injuries, chronic health complications, or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical provider’s negligence in Charleston, South Carolina, you have the right to pursue legal action.

At Lanier Law Group, we fight for patients who have suffered due to medical errors. Our team is committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. Not every poor medical outcome is malpractice, but when a doctor, hospital, or other provider acts negligently or recklessly, they can be held accountable.

To prove a medical malpractice claim, the following elements must be established:

A doctor-patient relationship existed: The provider had a duty to treat you.
The provider acted negligently: Their actions deviated from the accepted medical standard of care.
The negligence caused harm: A direct link between the provider’s mistake and your injury must be shown.
You suffered damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.

Establishing these elements requires strong evidence, expert testimony, and a thorough legal investigation. When a healthcare provider’s negligence results in serious harm, victims have the right to seek compensation for their suffering and financial losses.

That said, there are many types of medical malpractice that occur in Charleston. Understanding the most common forms of malpractice can help victims recognize when they may have a valid claim.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Charleston

Medical malpractice can happen in hospitals, private practices, surgical centers, nursing homes, and emergency rooms. Some of the most common forms of medical negligence include:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

A failure to diagnose a serious condition can lead to unnecessary suffering, disease progression, or even wrongful death. When a doctor misinterprets test results or fails to recognize symptoms, patients may not receive the treatment they need in time. Cancer, strokes, and heart attacks are frequently misdiagnosed conditions with life-threatening consequences.

Surgical Errors

Mistakes in the operating room can be catastrophic. Wrong-site surgery, operating on the wrong patient, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or causing internal damage are examples of surgical errors that can have permanent consequences. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical staff can all be held accountable for these life-altering mistakes.

Birth Injuries

Medical errors during labor and delivery can result in severe birth injuries that affect a child for life. Oxygen deprivation, failure to perform a timely C-section, improper use of forceps, and medication errors can cause conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage. Parents may be able to pursue a claim against doctors, nurses, and hospitals for negligent prenatal or delivery care.

Medication and Prescription Errors

Patients rely on doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to prescribe and administer medications safely. Giving the wrong medication, prescribing incorrect dosages, failing to recognize dangerous drug interactions, or administering medication improperly can lead to serious complications. Some medication errors can result in organ failure, allergic reactions, and fatal overdoses.

Anesthesia Mistakes

Anesthesiologists are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage of anesthesia before surgery. When they make mistakes, patients can suffer brain damage, heart complications, nerve damage, or even wake up during surgery. Failing to monitor vital signs or administer oxygen properly can be life-threatening.

Hospital and Nursing Negligence

Hospitals and medical facilities have a duty to provide safe environments, properly trained staff, and effective infection control procedures. Negligence such as unsanitary conditions, understaffing, and failure to follow protocols can lead to hospital-acquired infections, patient neglect, and unnecessary injuries. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are also responsible for ensuring that elderly patients receive proper medical care, hydration, and medication management.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying who is liable is crucial for holding negligent providers accountable and securing compensation for victims. In some cases, liability may be shared among doctors, hospitals, nurses, pharmacists, or even large healthcare corporations that failed to enforce safety protocols.

Doctors and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons are among the most commonly sued professionals in medical malpractice cases. They can be held accountable for misdiagnosing conditions, delaying treatment, performing unnecessary procedures, or making critical surgical mistakes. A doctor’s failure to order appropriate tests, recognize symptoms, or provide timely treatment can result in life-threatening complications or permanent disabilities.

If a physician’s negligence directly causes harm, they may face a malpractice lawsuit. In surgical cases, errors such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or making anesthesia mistakes can lead to severe consequences.

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Hospitals, surgical centers, and urgent care clinics can also bear responsibility in medical malpractice cases. If a hospital hires unqualified or improperly trained staff, fails to maintain sanitary conditions, or does not provide adequate patient monitoring, it can be held liable for patient injuries or deaths.

Additionally, hospitals must ensure that their employees follow proper procedures and safety protocols at all times. A hospital may also be responsible for understaffing, neglecting infection control measures, or failing to equip emergency rooms with necessary resources.

Nurses, Pharmacists, and Anesthesiologists

Medical malpractice is not limited to doctors. Nurses, pharmacists, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals may also be held accountable if their mistakes contribute to patient harm. Administering the wrong medication, failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs, miscalculating anesthesia dosage, or ignoring critical symptoms can all result in serious injuries.

When a nurse fails to communicate concerns to a doctor or a pharmacist provides the wrong medication, their negligence can have devastating effects. In these cases, both individual healthcare workers and the institutions that employ them may be liable.

How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in South Carolina?

South Carolina law limits the time you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the injury or the date the injury was discovered. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving minors, fraudulent concealment, or injuries that were not immediately apparent.

Waiting too long to take legal action can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Speaking with an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible is critical to protecting your claim.

Compensation Available in a Medical Malpractice Claim

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to financial compensation that covers both economic and non-economic losses. These damages help address the financial burden and emotional impact caused by medical negligence.

Economic Damages

Economic damages provide compensation for the financial losses directly caused by a medical provider’s negligence. Medical expenses are often one of the most significant costs, covering hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Many victims also suffer financial setbacks due to lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working during their recovery. In severe cases, the loss of earning capacity must also be considered, as some victims may never be able to return to their previous profession or work at all. Future medical care is another major factor, as some malpractice victims require ongoing treatments, therapy, or assistive devices to manage their condition.

Non-Economic Damages

Not all damages in a medical malpractice case are financial. Non-economic damages compensate victims for the personal and emotional toll of medical negligence. Pain and suffering account for the physical discomfort and chronic pain that a victim endures due to improper treatment. Emotional distress includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which often result from serious medical errors.

Many victims also experience a loss of enjoyment of life, as their injuries prevent them from engaging in activities they once loved. In cases involving severe negligence, disfigurement and disability can leave lasting physical and psychological scars, further impacting a victim’s well-being.

Punitive Damages

In cases where a medical provider’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which focus on compensating the victim, punitive damages serve as a punishment for the negligent provider and a deterrent to prevent similar misconduct in the future. These damages are typically pursued in cases involving gross negligence, deliberate wrongdoing, or a repeated pattern of medical errors.

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, taking the right steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim. Acting quickly can preserve crucial evidence and improve your chances of securing compensation.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. If you suspect a medical error, seek care from another provider to assess and address any potential harm. A second opinion may help determine whether negligence played a role in your injury. Medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans will be crucial in proving that a mistake occurred and caused harm.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, including test results, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and any unusual symptoms. If possible, obtain copies of your medical records before filing a claim, as some providers may delay or alter records once they become aware of legal action. Write down everything you remember about what happened, including dates, conversations, and the names of providers involved.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone

Hospitals and malpractice insurers often try to minimize claims and may pressure you into accepting a low settlement. They may also ask leading questions to get statements that can be used against you. Do not sign any documents, accept a settlement, or make recorded statements without consulting an attorney first. A lawyer can handle communications and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.

Contact a Charleston Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice cases are highly complex and require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and legal knowledge. An experienced attorney can gather medical records, consult medical experts, and build a strong case against the negligent provider. Lanier Law Group is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.

Why Choose Lanier Law Group?

Medical malpractice cases are complex, high-stakes legal battles that require experience, skill, and relentless advocacy. Our firm is dedicated to holding negligent doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers accountable and helping injured patients recover the compensation they need to move forward.

Aggressive Legal Representation

Medical providers and hospitals often have teams of attorneys and powerful insurance companies working to minimize malpractice claims. Our firm is not intimidated by these challenges. We take on hospitals, healthcare corporations, and major insurance companies to demand justice for our clients. If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take cases to trial and fight for the best possible outcome.

Client-Focused Support

We understand that medical malpractice victims are often frustrated, overwhelmed, and struggling with long-term health complications. That’s why we take a compassionate, client-centered approach, ensuring that every client receives personalized legal guidance and consistent communication throughout their case. Our attorneys take the time to answer questions, explain legal options, and provide reassurance every step of the way.

No Fees Unless We Win

We believe that financial concerns should never prevent injury victims from seeking justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This allows our clients to pursue their legal claims without the burden of out-of-pocket costs.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, Lanier Law Group is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Medical Malpractice in Charleston? Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice in Charleston, you don’t have to face this fight alone. Lanier Law Group is ready to go toe-to-toe with negligent medical providers and the insurance companies that try to duck responsibility. We step into the ring for our clients, delivering relentless legal advocacy while you focus on healing.

Your recovery should be your priority — let us take on the legal fight. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Hear the bell? Now is the time to fight for the justice you deserve.

Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

We Won't Back Down

Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most

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Charleston

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*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$4.8 Million

Settlement

A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

$3.1 Million

Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

$1.375 Million

Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

$1.2 Million

Birth Injury/Developmental Delay

Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.

$500,000

Botched Gall Bladder Surgery

Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

$425,000

Surgical Error

A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

Respect. Integrity. Passion.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.

We're In Your Corner

Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.

We're Here For You 24/7

Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.

We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.