You trust medical professionals to take care of you, but sometimes things go wrong. If you’ve been injured by a doctor, dentist, or medical aesthetic provider, you might have a medical malpractice claim… even if you’re still piecing together what actually happened.
At Litco Law, we know how overwhelming and confusing these situations can be. You might feel let down, frustrated, or even dismissed. We’re here to help you make sense of what happened and get answers.
So… What Exactly Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a licensed health professional doesn’t meet the standard of care expected in their field, and you’re harmed as a result. That could mean a surgical mistake, medication error, lack of informed consent, or another misstep (more on this below).
In Alberta, professionals like doctors and dentists are held to strict standards set by their governing colleges, legislation, and common law. If those standards aren’t met and you’re left dealing with pain, financial stress, or emotional trauma, you may have a case.
Informed Consent: It’s More Than Just a Signature
In Alberta, informed consent means that before you agree to medical treatment, you must be given enough information to make a knowledgeable and voluntary decision. It’s not just about signing a form. It’s about understanding what you’re agreeing to.
Before you agree to any treatment, you should be told:
- What’s involved in the procedure
- The potential risks and benefits
- Any other options you might have
If no one explained the risks or you were made to feel like you didn’t have a choice, that’s not informed consent. And if you were harmed because of it? That’s a big red flag for malpractice.
Types of Medical Malpractice We Commonly See
We’ve helped Albertans with claims involving:
Medical Malpractice
- Surgical errors (like tools left behind)
- Labour and birthing/delivery injuries
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Medication mistakes
- Poor follow-up care
Dental Malpractice
- Tools or materials left in your mouth
- Poorly fitted dental work
- Infections due to negligence
Med Spa & Aesthetic Malpractice
- Burns or scarring from lasers or peels
- Injections gone wrong
- Treatments done without full disclosure or consent
- Unqualified providers performing risky procedures
Whether it was a hospital, clinic, or cosmetic provider, if something felt off and you were harmed as a result you might have a case.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
If you are eligible for a malpractice claim, you may be eligible for compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost income or future earning capacity
- Cost of future care
What About Legal Fees?
We get it. Hiring a lawyer can feel intimidating (and it sounds expensive). At Litco Law, we offer free consultations, and if we move forward, it’s on a contingency basis. That means:
- No upfront costs
- We cover the expenses of building your case
- We only get paid when your case is resolved
Not Sure if You Have a Malpractice Case?
Even if you’re unsure, your story matters. If something went wrong and you’re dealing with the consequences, we’ll listen. And we’ll give you honest, practical guidance about what your next steps should be.
Understanding the Challenges of Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice cases are complex, and not every medical error will meet the legal threshold for negligence. In fact, only a small fraction of the inquiries we receive turn into cases we can pursue.
Why? Because under Alberta law, it’s not enough to show that something went wrong, you must be able to prove that:
- The healthcare provider breached the standard of care, and
- That breach directly caused you harm or worsened your condition.
Even if there was an error, it may not be considered negligence in the eyes of the law. We believe in being upfront about these realities so you can make informed decisions about your next steps. If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, our team is here to listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you in the right direction
Let’s Talk
Medical malpractice cases are complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and support you every step of the way.
Contact us to book a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice lawyers. We’re here for you.