Professional Malpractice

Georgia Malpractice Attorney

Atlanta personal injury lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert is an experienced civil litigator dedicated to representing victims of professional negligence. For over 20 years, he has successfully handled all types of professional malpractice claims, helping clients recover the compensation they deserve. Mr. Ozcomert’s reputation for excellence and high ethical standards have earned him a place among Georgia’s “Super Lawyers” and “Legal Elite.”

Professional Misconduct

Negligence through a careless act or failure to act can lead to liability for professionals. Medical malpractice law, for example, aims to compensate patients for injuries caused by physician negligence. But doctors are not the only professionals subject to malpractice claims. Other licensed professionals whose misconduct can lead to liability include:

  • Medical MalpracticeVeterinarians
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Dentists, nurses
  • Attorneys, CPAs
  • Physical therapists
  • Physician’s assistants
  • Radiology technicians
  • Dieticians, pharmacists
  • Optometrists, podiatrists
  • Osteopaths, chiropractors
  • Engineers, land surveyors
  • Marriage/family therapists

Georgia courts limit professional malpractice claims to those who are examined or tested for competency in their field before receiving a state license to perform their services. However, they have extended liability to employers of listed professionals. The professional’s negligence must have caused some form of “damage” such as economic loss, injury, or wrongful death. Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert can pursue compensation for you if you have been injured due to medical or other professional negligence.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice claims are governed by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 9-11-9.1. This law imposes liability on health care providers that fail to meet the required standard, as established by “competent experts” practicing in the same field. Licensed medical providers who violate this legal duty while acting or failing to act with the “professional skill and judgment” expected of them are considered negligent. Negligence may involve:

  • Abuse, battery
  • Negligent hiring
  • Deviating from the professional standard of care
  • Surgical errors
  • Improper dosing
  • Anesthesia errors
  • Improper monitoring
  • Retention, supervision

In any case arising out of medical or professional negligence, OCGA § 9-11-9.1 requires that an “expert affidavit” be filed with the action showing competence to testify. Failure to meet this “pleading” requirement may lead to dismissal of the case. OCGA § 9-3-71 gives injured patients a 5-year deadline to file their claim. This is known as the “statute of limitations” and begins to run at the time the patient first discovered or should have known of the injury.

Legal Malpractice

Attorneys who breach a legal duty to clients can likewise face professional liability. However, it is not enough to show that the lawyer’s negligence caused an adverse result. The client must prove that “no reasonable” attorney would make the same error, resulting in breach of contract or prejudicial outcome. The deadline to bring a legal malpractice claim depends upon the damages sought. Clients seeking “general” redress, emotional distress, or punitive damages have 2 years to file a claim. If the representation allegedly damaged the client’s reputation, deadline is 1 year. For all other breach of contract claims, OCGA § 9-3-25 provides a 4-year statute of limitations.

Time Limits to File Suit Based on the Form of Professional Contract

The Georgia Supreme Court has distinguished between statutes of limitation for oral and written contracts. In an engineering malpractice case, the court applied OCGA § 9-33-24’s 6-year statute of limitations where there was a “written agreement” between the parties. But when courts treat professional liability claims alleged to have breached an “oral contract,” the 4-year deadline applies.

Recovering Compensation

If you were injured by professional negligence, Atlanta personal injury attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert can help. He provides comprehensive legal representation in medical, legal, and other professional malpractice claims. Because working with multiple parties and statutes of limitation can be difficult, experienced legal counsel is critical to preserving your right to relief. Call (404) 370-1000 for a free consultation or contact us online.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Words cannot express how greatful I am for Mr. Ozcomert and his entire team. They took me under their wings and made me feel as if I was family not just a number. Whenever I had an issue they came up with a resolution no matter what the situation was. They fought hard for me and gave the best representation I could have ask for, a special thanks to Ann, you were the perfect blend of, tuff love and honesty sprinkle on with kindness and compassion, you guys were awesome and I thank you. Karlene Hudson
★★★★★
Steve and Anne walked me through the whole process from start to finish. When I called with questions, I promptly got responses. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone in need of an attorney. Taffanie
★★★★★
Thanks for everything...Steve you're the BEST!!! Keep up the great work! I recommend Mr. Ozcomert and partners to anyone who is looking to WIN. ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. Bernard
★★★★★
I have really enjoyed the way that Steve and his one person staff Anne handled my case. They turned a bad situation into a very favorable outcome. They went the extra mile. I can highly recommend Steve to anyone that is in need of an attorney. Glenn