Experienced Representation for Medical Errors and Misdiagnoses
Ethics are the foundation of the medical system and one key reason why health care providers are trusted. When a doctor, surgeon, nurse, or healthcare aide fails to live up to these ideals, the results can be devastating and even fatal.
At Barrix Law Firm, we represent patients and families who have been harmed by medical errors, delayed or missed diagnoses, and other forms of malpractice. We hold medical professionals accountable for their mistakes.
Learn how a Grand Rapids medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Why Choose Barrix Law Firm?
At Barrix Law Firm in Grand Rapids, we offer more than 30 years of proven litigation experience that you can trust when it matters most for your health and your family. We provide compassionate, personalized assistance and in-depth legal advice through each step of the process. Learn more about what we offer.
Proven Track Record: Since 1993, Jason Barrix has represented clients in numerous high-stakes personal injury and civil litigation matters, including medical claims.
Trial-Tested Litigator: A former Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jason has achieved multiple results exceeding $1 million thanks to his meticulous preparation and strong courtroom advocacy.
Local Roots: We are a 100% local law firm based in southeast Grand Rapids. We’re proud to serve families across Kent County and surrounding parts of West Michigan.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care. Typically, this means the person failed to act as a reasonably prudent and competent professional would under similar circumstances. To build a successful claim, you must show that you were harmed as a direct result of the provider’s errors.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice
It’s estimated that as many as 250,000 Americans die every year due to medical errors, and some 795,000 people are affected by missed or delayed diagnoses. Here are the most common medical errors.
- Missed or delayed diagnoses account for nearly 1 in 3 malpractice cases.
- Surgical errors represent about 25% of malpractice claims.
- Treatment-related mistakes account for about 20% of lawsuits.
- Birth injuries and obstetric errors represent about 12% of claims.
- Medication mistakes account for 4% of malpractice payments.
- Anesthesia errors account for less than 3% of malpractice cases.
How Can I Prove Medical Malpractice?
In Michigan, medical malpractice plaintiffs must prove 4 elements by a preponderance of the evidence:
- A duty of care existed. For example, you had an established doctor-patient relationship.
- The duty was breached, such as by failing to explain risk factors or alternative treatment options.
- That breach was the proximate or direct cause of the injury. In other words, the injury would not have occurred if the doctor had behaved in a reasonably prudent manner.
- You experienced damages as a direct result, such as additional medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, or health impairments.
Your attorney will gather medical records, consult expert witnesses, and prepare detailed documentation to show that your claim meets these criteria.
Steps for Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Michigan
Medical malpractice cases may be resolved through settlement or be adjudicated at trial before a jury. Trials are more common in malpractice compared to other personal injury claims. This is due to the complexity of the case facts and the large legal teams that doctors and hospitals retain.
Types of Compensation Available
Several types of compensation may be available in Michigan medical malpractice cases depending on the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
Economic Damages: Patients who have been affected by medical errors can request full compensation for additional medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and long-term health needs.
Non‑Economic Damages: Your attorney can help you seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship up to state limits.
Wrongful Death Damages: In case of a fatal medical error, surviving family members can seek compensation for final expenses, lost financial support, emotional distress, and more.
Caps on Damages
In Michigan, there is no cap on economic damages in medical malpractice cases. This ensures that patients are fully compensated for lost income and any remedial care that’s needed to treat or reverse the effects of the medical error.
- Non-economic damages are capped at $586,300 for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2025. A higher cap of $1,047,000 applies for certain permanent injuries, such as brain damage, paralysis, or loss of reproductive function. Limits are adjusted annually.
Grand Rapids Medical Malpractice FAQs
The deadline for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Michigan is 2 years from the date of the injury per MCL 600.5838a. If the injury is only discovered later, legal action must be taken within 6 months and no later than 6 years after the injury. There may be exceptions if the provider knowingly concealed the error. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing these deadlines.
The value of medical malpractice claims varies widely. Birth injuries are among the most costly cases for providers due to the severity and lifelong nature of the resulting injuries. Caps on non-economic damages also mean that individuals who experienced catastrophic events, such as brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, cognitive impairment, or reproductive failure, receive larger settlements.
It depends. Pharmacists and other providers can be held responsible for prescribing and dosing errors. Adverse drug reactions and injuries caused by defective medical devices may result in product liability claims rather than a medical malpractice lawsuit.
It does not cost anything to consult a medical malpractice lawyer. If we accept your case, there’s no fee unless we recover a settlement or verdict in your favor. Legal fees will be deducted from your award, which is known as contingency billing.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a medical error, contact Barrix Law Firm in Grand Rapids today for a free case evaluation. We’ll guide you through each step of the process and help you accurately value your losses. Our goal is to hold negligent medical providers accountable by recovering all the compensation you may be owed.
