California Kaiser Malpractice Attorney
If you’ve suffered an injury due to medical malpractice from a doctor or hospital in the Kaiser system, it can be very difficult to hold them accountable and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. It can be especially difficult if you have a wrongful death claim. If you find yourself in this disappointing situation, you need an attorney who has specific experience with the Kaiser Foundation. Fortunately, Dr. Bruce Fagel has a tremendous amount of experience handling Kaiser malpractice cases. Call 800-755-1181 for a free consultation with Dr. Fagel today.
What Is Kaiser?
Kaiser Permanente consists of three different entities: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and Permanente Medical Groups. The Kaiser Health Plan includes more than 10 million members throughout the United States. If you’re part of the Kaiser healthcare system, you are required to choose hospitals within the Kaiser system.
Why Are Kaiser Claims Difficult?
Medical malpractice claims in Los Angeles relating to a Kaiser doctor or hospital cannot be litigated in civil court. Policyholders are not permitted to sue Kaiser directly and instead have to go through a process called arbitration (resolving the issue outside of court). By being a part of the Kaiser healthcare system, you are bound by a contract requiring you to go through arbitration. You might not even be aware of this contract until you’re in a situation where you find yourself looking into filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. It’s important to note that if you are a Kaiser member, you are bound by their arbitration contract regardless of where your healthcare is administered.
How Does The Arbitration Process Work?
When you file a claim against Kaiser, the claim is arbitrated by the Office of the Independent Administrator. You and your attorney must submit a demand for arbitration. In this demand, you must include the following:
- 1. A statement describing your injury and why Kaiser is responsible;
- 2. How much compensation you’re seeking;
- 3. Your name, phone number, address, and the same information for your attorney; AND
- 4. The names of all people you believe are responsible for your injury.
The administrator is required to send each party a list of 12 randomly generated arbitrators to choose from. Each party then has 20 days to decide and reply with their choice. The administrator will then select an arbitrator based on the selections of the parties involved. Within 60 days, the arbitrator is required to hold an arbitration management conference. At this meeting, deadlines are set for mandatory settlement meetings and the arbitration hearing date is scheduled.
If the parties are not able to come to an agreement, the arbitrator will hold a trial. The goal of this arbitration is to have the case resolved within 18 months from the time the demand letter is received.
Contact a California Kaiser Malpractice Lawyer
Dr. Bruce Fagel has the experience you need for a Kaiser claim. He has successfully assisted many people who have suffered severe injuries due to Kaiser doctors and hospitals, and he can help you as well. He knows exactly how to request all of the necessary medical records and documentation you will need to be successful in your arbitration with Kaiser.
Additionally, Dr. Bruce Fagel has successfully obtained significant compensation for his clients from The Kaiser Foundation and is known by them to be an aggressive and relentless advocate. When you hire Dr. Fagel for a Kaiser claim, you can rest assured that they will take your claim seriously. Call a California Kaiser malpractice lawyer at (800) 755-1181 for a free consultation.
