Medical Malpractice in New York: When the System Meant to Heal, Hurts
Introduction
By Kari Law Group, PLLC
📍 Richmond Hill, NY | ☎️ (718) 395-1818 | ✉️ info@karilaw.com
When you walk into a hospital, you expect answers. Relief. Care.
But what happens when the professionals you trusted make things worse?
What happens when “standard procedure” turns into a life-altering mistake?
At Kari Law Group, we’ve seen it firsthand—clients who knew something didn’t feel right but were told “this just happens.”
They left with more pain, more questions, and in some cases, lifelong consequences.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not without options.
What Counts as Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice isn’t about every bad outcome. Not every complication is negligence.
But when a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider fails to follow accepted medical standards, and you’re harmed as a result—that may be malpractice.
Real-life examples we’ve handled or seen:
• Failure to diagnose a stroke in the ER, sending the patient home with “just a migraine”
• A surgical sponge left inside a patient after a routine procedure
• A child with cerebral palsy because of oxygen deprivation during birth
• A patient given penicillin despite a known allergy, leading to anaphylactic shock
• A cancer patient whose diagnosis was delayed by nearly a year because abnormal test results were never followed up on
These aren’t just medical errors. They’re breakdowns in the duty of care. And when that duty is violated, you have legal rights.
Why These Cases Are So Complex—and Why That Shouldn’t Stop You
Medical malpractice cases are some of the most challenging in civil law.
They involve:
• Thousands of pages of medical records
• Technical expert testimony
• A legal system that often gives doctors the benefit of the doubt
• Hospitals and insurers with teams of defense attorneys
But that doesn’t mean you can’t win. It just means you need a team that understands what you’re up against—and isn’t afraid to fight.
At Kari Law Group, we approach these cases with:
✔ Independent medical experts who review your case objectively
✔ Timeline reconstruction, to track exactly when and where things went wrong
✔ Economic experts, who assess how your injury affects your ability to work and live fully
✔ Deep understanding of New York’s specific malpractice laws and exceptions
Time Matters: Know the Statute of Limitations in NY
In New York, the standard deadline to file a medical malpractice lawsuit is 2 years and 6 months from the date of the negligence.
But there are exceptions:
• Discovery Rule: If you didn’t know the injury was caused by malpractice (e.g., a foreign object found years later), the clock may start when you found out.
• Minor Children: Their deadline may be extended until after their 18th birthday.
• Wrongful Death: You have 2 years from the date of death, not the date of the malpractice itself.
Don’t guess. Let us help you calculate your legal window properly.
What Compensation Can You Seek?
Every case is unique, but damages in medical malpractice may include:
• All related medical costs (past, current, and future)
• Lost wages or lost earning potential if you can’t return to your job
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Home modifications or long-term care needs
• Wrongful death damages, including loss of financial support or companionship (in fatal cases)
Many clients say:
We hear you. But financial compensation is the legal system’s way to acknowledge harm and restore some sense of justice.
Why Most Victims Stay Silent—and Why You Shouldn’t
One of the hardest truths we’ve learned?
Most people never file a claim. They blame themselves. Or they trust the hospital’s explanation.
They’re told:
• “This is a known risk.”
• “That’s just how the body reacts sometimes.”
• “We followed protocol.”
But here’s the thing: If that “known risk” wasn’t explained to you, that’s a lack of informed consent.
If the “protocol” didn’t reflect your situation, that’s a failure to individualize care.
You are not overreacting by asking questions.
You’re doing what every patient has the right to do.
What to Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If something doesn’t feel right, here’s what we recommend:
1. Request a full copy of your medical records
2. Write down everything you remember—dates, conversations, symptoms
3. Don’t confront the doctor or hospital directly
4. Contact a malpractice attorney for a confidential consultation
We’ll review the facts. We’ll bring in medical experts. And we’ll tell you honestly if there’s a case.
You Deserve Accountability
Medical malpractice isn’t just a personal injury—it’s a betrayal of trust.
You shouldn’t be left to carry the burden alone.
At Kari Law Group, we believe in compassionate, aggressive representation.
You focus on healing. We’ll focus on getting answers, holding the system accountable, and fighting for every dollar you deserve.
Your story matters. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
Kari Law Group, PLLC
📍 Richmond Hill, NY | ☎️ (718) 395-1818 | ✉️ info@karilaw.com
