Medical Malpractice Attorney in New City

Help After Harmful Medical Care

When you go to a doctor or hospital in New City, you should be able to trust that you will receive careful, competent care. But a preventable mistake can leave you facing worsening symptoms, unexpected procedures, missed work, and bills that never should have happened. Our Medical Malpractice Attorney in New City at Law Office of David A. Kates, PLLC can help you understand whether negligence may have played a role and what steps to take next.

Medical malpractice claims are evidence-driven and time-sensitive. Records matter, timelines are critical, and insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves. With the right legal guidance, you can get clear answers, protect your rights, and pursue compensation for the full impact of the harm you have suffered.

Suspect medical malpractice in New City? Call (718) 866-3664 today for a free, private case review and find out what options you may have.

Why Patients Choose My Law Office

Choosing the right lawyer after a medical injury is a deeply personal decision. Clients come to me because they want more than a name on the door. They want to know who will actually listen to them, who will review their records, and who will stand beside them if they decide to pursue a claim.

I personally handle every case I accept, from our first conversation through resolution. When you call my office, you speak with me, not a rotating group of associates. I review your records, develop the legal strategy, and stay involved in every key decision. My goal is for you to always know who is responsible for your case and who you can call with questions.

Over the course of more than two decades handling New York medical malpractice matters, I have recovered millions of dollars for injured patients and grieving families. These results reflect careful case selection, thorough preparation, and determined advocacy. Each case is different, and past outcomes cannot predict future results, but they do show my commitment to pursuing meaningful compensation when the evidence supports it.

As a native New Yorker, I understand how medical malpractice lawsuits move through New York courts, including cases that arise from care received in and around New City. I am familiar with how hospitals and providers in this region operate, and I use that background to evaluate what happened and to plan the next steps in your case.

Do You Have A Medical Malpractice Case

One of the first questions people ask me is whether what happened to them is truly medical malpractice. In New York, medical malpractice generally occurs when a doctor, hospital, or other provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes serious harm. It is not enough that the outcome was bad. The care must have fallen below what a reasonably careful provider would have done in the same situation.

Many of the cases I see involve situations such as a missed or delayed diagnosis, a surgical mistake, a medication error, or a failure to respond to a clear change in a patient’s condition. I also handle matters involving birth-related injuries and failures to order appropriate tests or consult specialists. As a medical negligence attorney, New City residents can call with questions. I work to connect the medical facts to the legal standards that apply.

Not every unfortunate result is malpractice, and it can be unfair to yourself to assume that nothing can be done without a careful review. If you were surprised by a severe complication, if different providers have given you conflicting explanations, or if something about the story you have been told does not feel complete, it may be worth taking a closer look.

Some signs that you should speak with a lawyer include:

• Unexpected or severe complications that were never discussed with you before a procedure.
• A diagnosis that changed significantly after a second opinion or further testing.
• Staff who seem unwilling or unable to explain what went wrong in clear terms.
• Medical records that do not match what you remember being told or experiencing.
• A sudden decline after being sent home from an emergency room or clinic.

When you contact me as a medical injury attorney, I start by listening to your story in detail. I then review available records and, when appropriate, work with qualified medical professionals to help determine whether the standard of care was likely violated and whether that violation caused your injuries.

How I Handle Medical Injury Claims

Understanding the process can make the idea of pursuing a claim less overwhelming. When you reach out to me, our first conversation is about what happened and how your life has changed. I ask questions about your medical history, the care you received, and the symptoms or complications that followed. This helps me decide whether it makes sense to investigate further as a doctor malpractice attorney New City residents can turn to for guidance.

If we both agree that further review is appropriate, I gather and study your medical records, imaging, and test results. I look closely at timelines, orders, and chart notes to see whether the care appears to follow accepted medical standards. In many cases, I consult with qualified medical professionals who can provide insight on whether the treatment met or fell below the applicable standard of care and whether any failures likely caused the harm you suffered.

Once there is a clear understanding of the medicine, I identify who may be legally responsible. That can include individual physicians, physician groups, hospitals, outpatient centers, or other providers. I then work to prepare a strong claim that sets out what happened, why the care was negligent, and how it has affected your life. Throughout this process, I communicate with you in plain language, explain options, and involve you in major decisions.

There are costs involved in any medical malpractice lawsuit, such as obtaining records and securing medical opinions, but you do not pay for our first consultation. In many cases, I can also move forward without requiring you to pay legal fees at the outset. I can explain how fees and case expenses are typically handled during our first conversation so you can decide whether this approach is right for you.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits In New York

Medical malpractice cases in New York have their own rules and procedures, which can be confusing without guidance. I help clients understand the major steps so they know what to expect before deciding whether to move ahead.

Most cases begin with investigation, record review, and consultation with medical professionals. If the evidence supports a claim and you choose to proceed, I prepare and file the necessary documents in the appropriate New York court. The case then typically moves into discovery, where both sides exchange records, answer written questions, and may take depositions of parties and witnesses. At various points, there may be opportunities to discuss settlement, and some cases eventually go to trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached.

New York has strict time limits for bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit. The specific deadline depends on several factors, including the type of provider involved and when the injury was discovered. Because of these limits, it is usually wise to seek legal advice as soon as you suspect malpractice. Waiting too long can result in losing the right to sue for medical malpractice, regardless of how strong the underlying facts might be.

If your case is successful, the law may allow you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and the pain and suffering caused by negligent care. Every case is unique, and no lawyer can predict the outcome in advance, but my role is to explain the range of possible results and to work toward a resolution that reflects the harm you have endured.

What To Do If You Suspect Malpractice

If you are worried that you or a loved one suffered harm because of a medical error in or around New City, your health should remain the first priority. Continue to follow necessary treatment and, if you feel uneasy about current care, consider seeking a second opinion from another qualified provider. A fresh set of eyes can sometimes clarify what is happening and help protect your wellbeing.

At the same time, it can be helpful to gather and preserve information. Keep discharge papers, prescriptions, test results, and appointment summaries in a safe place. Writing down a timeline of events, including dates, names, and what you were told, can make it easier to remember details later. As a medical malpractice lawyer New City patients can contact, I find that this type of documentation often plays an important role in evaluating a potential claim.

Simple steps that can help protect your rights include:

• Saving all medical records, letters, bills, and insurance notices related to the care in question.
• Writing down your recollection of conversations with doctors, nurses, and staff while they are still fresh.
• Avoid social media posts about the situation that could later be misunderstood or taken out of context.
• Not signing releases, waivers, or settlement paperwork without understanding what rights you might be giving up.

Once you feel ready, you can contact me to discuss your concerns. Our first consultation is free and confidential. During that call, I will listen to what happened, answer your questions as clearly as I can, and give you an honest view of whether it makes sense to explore a claim further.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?

The only way to know is through a careful review of your situation. I look at what care was provided, how it compares to accepted standards, and whether any mistakes likely caused your injury. In a free consultation, we can discuss your concerns and decide whether an investigation makes sense.

What will it cost to meet with you about my case?

There is no charge for your initial consultation with me. During that conversation, I explained how legal fees and case expenses are typically handled in medical malpractice matters. My goal is for you to understand the financial aspects before you decide whether to move forward.

Will you personally handle my medical malpractice lawsuit?

If I accept your case, I handle it personally from start to finish. I speak with you, review your records, work with medical professionals, and appear in court. You will not be handed off to a junior lawyer you have never met.

How long do medical malpractice cases in New York usually take?

These cases often take many months or longer, largely because of the time needed to gather records, obtain medical opinions, complete discovery, and schedule court dates. The specific timeline depends on the complexity of the medicine and the court’s schedule. I discuss likely timing with you at the outset.

What should I bring to our first consultation?

Bring any records you already have, such as discharge papers, test results, medication lists, and letters from providers or insurers. A written timeline of events is also helpful. If you do not have everything yet, we can still talk, and I can explain how records are typically obtained.

Talk With Me About Your Next Steps

If you believe negligent medical care in or around New City has turned your life upside down, you do not have to face the medical and legal questions alone. Speaking with a medical malpractice attorney, New City residents can call directly gives you a chance to understand your rights and your options.

In our first conversation, I will listen carefully, answer your questions in plain language, and explain how New York medical malpractice law may apply to your situation. There is no charge for this consultation and no obligation to file a case. My goal is to give you clear information so you can decide what is right for you and your family.

To schedule your free and confidential consultation, call (718) 866-3664.