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01 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
David defended us in a medical malpractice case against a patient/plaintiff, and demonstrated solid wisdom that he had picked up in decades of experience. His understanding of the process and substance were invaluable guidance through the process. To top that, he prevailed outright when he was forced to go to trial. The patient got nothing, despite all the shenanigans the patient's attorney threw at him. We were very satisfied. Besides his legal expertise, he is a very personable and honest person. Each time we have a question about the case, about the plaintiff or the court, he was always there available and helpful. He is very patient and his solid and in depth knowledge give his clients confidence and put them at ease. He is one of the best attorneys I have worked with. I have no hesitation in recommending him. One of the best.
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05 May, 2015 by June riley
As the Executive Director of a San Francisco based medical malpractice insurance company, I have worked with David Depolo for 15 years. Mr. Depolo has defended many of our insured/physicians over the course of those years. The company and the insureds have consistently found that Dave is trustworthy and exceptionally knowledgeable in medical/legal environment. Dave takes his work very seriously, and this is reflected in his commitment to his clients. In short--Dave cares about his clients. He will work with honest determination for the best possible outcome. I highly recommend David Depolo as an attorney and as a person. For the past 15 years I have relied on his intelligence and objectivity, and he has never let me down.
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05 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Depolo for two separate issues last year, one contractual and one administrative. He handled both in a highly professional manner, responding quickly to my questions and concerns and offering sound and excellent advice. He came highly recommended and it was clear early on why this was the case. I would readily refer him to a friend or family member for any legal issue.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Marie fitting
Very prompt, efficient and knowledgeable on work comp. Thank you Appel Law Firm!!!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Erick m y m
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01 Jul, 2024 by Rigoberto vazquez
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16 Jul, 2024 by Josh brann
It was great working with Mr. Arietta's law firm to complete the legal documents that we needed done. The process was straightforward, and the communication was clear. We appreciated the professional and efficient service provided.
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22 May, 2024 by Randy soso
I needed to get my will and trusts modified following a divorce. I went to David Arietta and he was both knowledgeable and welcoming. I presented my information and David offered recommendations. My new documents were done efficiently and reasonably. I am very happy with David and his assistant Megan!
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22 May, 2024 by Brian richardson
I used Mr. Arietta’s Law Office for a Will and Living Trust. Its something I put off for years. I should have reached out earlier because David and his assistant Megan did a great job. Efficient. Good at keeping in touch on next steps. The fee was reasonable too (I compared elsewhere). Seems like the process went pretty quick. I never need an attorney, but if I do again, I’ll probably come here first.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Nicolas miranda
Atty. Mike Gatto, you are the MAN! Simply amazing! There are so much great things to say about Atty. Mike Gatto and his whole team including his wife Desiree. The whole team is very skilled and well-informed. Atty. Gatto was astounding, skillful, very professional, informative and proficient! Very competent and diligent with the entire process. My case started during pandemic so it cause some delay, but Atty. Gatto and his team provided updates constantly, checked in on how I was doing and feeling and guided me every step of the way. We settled early this year (2024) and team Gatto did an amazing job! The paralegal, Brendt was awesome, he continuously provided guidance and updates. He was very thorough with all the details, very dedicated! The whole team provided me support, empathy and care throughout the whole process until the end. I did not feel like I was just a client but a friend. They treated me with so much compassion, educated me with insightful things, and gave my husband and I great advice that we will never forget. I highly recommend Atty. Mike Gatto to everyone, the service quality is consistently outstanding. Will definitely exceed your expectations and you will be impressed and greatly satisfied! Atty. Mike Gatto and team, Thank you again for your hard work, laborious efforts to ensure our success. You went about and beyond and help us get the victory! We triumphed and succeed because of your dedication, support, enthusiasm, and excellent work! We want to express our appreciation and gratitude from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything! Thank you Atty. Gatto, Desiree, Brendt and the whole Gatto team! God bless! -Maureen & Nick
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24 May, 2024 by Lynn & skeet griffith
I highly recommend Michaels Gatto's Law firm because they are efficient, straight forward and very clear about setting expectations. From the start to completion it felt like things ran very smoothly and the process didn't drag on. Pleased with the outcome.
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23 May, 2024 by Salvador llamas
We are very thankful for the incredible support from everyone at Team Gatto. From the first phone call with Michael and throughout the entire process, Team Gatto treated our family with care, compassion, and fought with diligence to help ensure we received the care and compensation we deserve. You are truly the BEST!
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15 May, 2024 by Samuel jensen
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18 Mar, 2024 by Joe
Mike Hughes doesn't know anything about HOA law or general legal ethics. His counsel helped a tyrannical board break the law and drain our reserves --- steer clear.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Carla marymee
Doug Bohne provided me one of the best legal consultations I’ve ever had. He asked questions, listened intently, quickly sorted out several entangled, complex legal issues, and helped me develop a plan moving forward. He's straight forward, honest, and provided the advice and insight I needed. Most of all, I felt that he genuinely cared about helping me. I highly recommend The Bohne Law Group for handling estate, trust, special needs, and real estate issues.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I've contacted him through messaging here to inquire about a case last month, and I'm still waiting to hear back. This makes me not believe that this site is credible or maybe just his office is really bad in replying to people.
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What a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Do for You

A medical malpractice lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence or misconduct of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals. These lawyers assist in cases where a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death. Medical malpractice cases can involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and other forms of medical negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to improper medical treatment, a medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options, file a lawsuit, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

When Should I Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is essential if you’ve been seriously injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider or institution. Situations where you should seek legal representation include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If a doctor fails to diagnose or delays diagnosing a medical condition, leading to harm or progression of the illness.
  • Surgical errors: Harm resulting from surgical mistakes such as operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or performing unnecessary procedures.
  • Medication errors: Injuries caused by prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, or mistakes made by pharmacists in dispensing drugs.
  • Birth injuries: Injuries to a newborn due to medical negligence during labor and delivery, such as failing to perform a timely C-section or improper use of delivery instruments.
  • Anesthesia errors: Complications arising from improperly administered anesthesia, which can lead to serious injury or death.
  • Inadequate follow-up or aftercare: Suffering due to lack of proper monitoring or care after a medical procedure, leading to complications.
  • Hospital or nursing home negligence: Harm caused by the negligence of hospital staff, nurses, or administrators who failed to provide adequate care.

Medical malpractice cases are complex, and hiring a lawyer early can help ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.

What Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Do?

A medical malpractice lawyer provides various legal services to help injured patients hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. Their responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating your case: Reviewing medical records and consulting with experts to determine if you have a viable claim based on the standard of care and harm suffered.
  • Filing a lawsuit: Initiating legal action by filing a complaint against the responsible parties in the appropriate court.
  • Gathering evidence: Collecting medical records, expert testimonies, and other relevant evidence to build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Working to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries without the need for a trial.
  • Litigating in court: Representing you during trial proceedings if a settlement cannot be reached, presenting evidence and arguing your case.
  • Calculating damages: Assessing the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
  • Handling expert testimony: Coordinating with medical experts who can testify on how the standard of care was breached and how it led to your injuries.

How Are Medical Malpractice Lawyers Paid?

Most medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Key aspects of this payment structure include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer's fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the settlement or award.
  • No upfront costs: You do not pay any legal fees unless the lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
  • Case expenses: Costs for expert witnesses, medical record retrieval, and court fees may be deducted from your settlement or award in addition to the lawyer's fee.

Always discuss the fee arrangement during your initial consultation to understand your financial obligations.

How Much Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is usually based on a contingency fee model. General estimates include:

  • Contingency fee: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total recovery amount.
  • Case expenses: Additional costs such as expert witness fees and court expenses can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you receive a clear explanation of all potential fees and expenses before proceeding with your case.

Top Questions to Ask a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with medical malpractice cases like mine?
    Confirm the lawyer has a successful track record with similar cases.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement.
  6. Have you worked with expert witnesses?
    Verify the lawyer's experience in collaborating with medical experts essential for your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association for their license and any disciplinary actions.
  • Review their experience: Look for specialization in medical malpractice and a history of successful cases.
  • Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
  • Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
  • Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Medical records: All documents related to your treatment and injury.
  • Evidence of harm: Photos, medical bills, and records of lost wages.
  • Communication records: Any correspondence with healthcare providers or institutions.
  • List of healthcare providers: Names and contact information of all involved medical personnel.
  • Questions for the lawyer: A prepared list to address all your concerns.
  • Timeline of events: A detailed chronology of your medical care and the issues encountered.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.

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