Medical Malpractice Attorney in Santa Clarita
Legal Guidance After Harm From Medical Care
If you or a loved one was seriously injured after medical or dental treatment, you may be questioning whether an error occurred and what options are available. As a medical malpractice attorney, I help clients evaluate potential mistakes and understand their legal next steps.
My name is Dean Schweitzer. At , I bring more than 35 years of legal experience and a background as a licensed dentist to assess complex medical and dental injury cases. I review records carefully, explain findings in plain language, and offer free consultations to help you decide how to proceed.
How I Approach Medical Malpractice Cases
When you contact my office about a possible medical injury, I focus on understanding the treatment you received, what you were told to expect, and how your condition changed. I then evaluate whether the care fell below accepted medical or dental standards and whether that failure caused your injury.
As both an attorney and a licensed dentist, I personally review medical and dental records, imaging, and treatment notes to assess issues such as diagnostic errors, surgical complications, or dental procedures that resulted in serious harm. I handle evaluations myself and provide a straightforward assessment of the strengths, challenges, and legal options so you can make an informed decision.
Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim
In California, a medical malpractice claim requires proof that a medical or dental provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused a measurable injury, such as additional treatment, permanent impairment, or long-term complications. For those seeking more guidance, a dental malpractice FAQ can help explain common questions and clarify how these cases are evaluated. The analysis focuses on what care was provided, what should have been done under similar circumstances, and whether the outcome was caused by substandard treatment rather than an unavoidable risk.
Possible indicators of negligence include misdiagnosis, lack of informed consent, medication errors, overlooked test results, or serious complications following routine procedures. Strict filing deadlines apply and may depend on when the injury was discovered and the patient’s age, making early legal review important to preserve evidence and evaluate whether a claim may exist.
What To Do After Medical Injury
- Continue appropriate medical or dental care to protect your health, even if you are dissatisfied with a provider
- Seek a second opinion if symptoms persist or you no longer feel comfortable with your current doctor or dentist
- Request complete copies of all medical and dental records, including imaging and test results
- Keep a written timeline of events, providers seen, and what you were told at each visit
- Document your condition, follow-up treatment, and any changes in symptoms
- Save bills, receipts, and records of missed work or daily activities
- Avoid signing insurance releases or settlement documents without legal review
- Contact a medical injury attorney in Santa Clarita to discuss your situation before deadlines pass
Medical Malpractice Cases I Handle
I evaluate medical and dental malpractice claims arising from hospitals, surgery centers, and private practices in and around Santa Clarita, focusing on injuries that significantly affect daily life. These matters may involve delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, anesthesia errors, improper follow-up, medication mistakes, and dental injuries such as dental implant failure, extraction injury, nerve damage, or infections and abscesses.
In reviewing a case, I assess both the care provided and the lasting impact of the injury, including ongoing pain, work limitations, and other long-term consequences. Using your medical and dental history, I determine whether further investigation is appropriate and explain the legal options available based on the specific facts of your situation.
Why Patients Choose My Santa Clarita Firm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my case is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice usually involves care that fell below accepted standards and caused significant harm. I look at what treatment was provided, what a reasonably careful provider would have done, and how your injury changed your life. A consultation allows me to apply these principles to your specific situation.
What will happen during my free consultation with you?
During a free consultation, I listen to your story, review any records you have, and ask follow-up questions. I then explain whether your situation may involve malpractice and what options you might consider. You can also ask questions about the legal process and my role.
Do you have experience with dental malpractice and injuries?
Yes. I am a licensed dentist as well as an attorney, so I am very familiar with dental procedures, standards of care, and common sources of dental injury. This background helps me evaluate issues such as nerve damage, failed implants, and serious infections linked to dental treatment.
Will talking to you affect my relationship with my doctor or dentist?
Speaking with me is confidential. Many people contact me simply to understand their rights and options, and providers are not automatically notified. If a claim is later filed, we discuss together how that may affect communication with your current or former healthcare professionals.
How long do I have to start a medical malpractice claim?
California has specific time limits for bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit, and those limits can depend on when the injury was discovered and other factors. Because deadlines can be complex, it is wise to speak with a lawyer soon. In a consultation, I can explain how these rules may apply to you.
If you have questions about a medical or dental injury, speak directly with an experienced Santa Clarita medical malpractice attorney. Contact to review your situation and understand your legal options before important deadlines pass.
Stories From Our Clients
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I just wanted to tell you how grateful I’m for your fine kindness of replying with your phone call on August 17. I took your advice and will be seeing another dentist for a second opinion on Tuesday, August 24. I came to your website and in my readings, I see you’re an awesome Attorney, one of a kind. Once again thanks a trillion. Blessings!- Gloria A.
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“Even though the case wasn't big enough for him to take it on, he still went out of his way to make sure that I knew there were options that I could pursue on my own.”- Jess F.
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“Mr. Dean Schweitzer is a man of his word and does exactly what he says he will do.”- Kimberly T.
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“Dean’s knowledge and experience as a dentist in an addition to being a lawyer were incredibly beneficial to me because he was immediately able to understand my situation.”- Current client Jamie W.
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“I would recommend him highly to anyone who asked.”- Former client Laura P.
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“The legal guidance and personal attention that Dean provided us was overwhelming.”- Former client Tom S.
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“On top of being incredibly nice, he was awesome at communicating with me and always responded to my texts and emails.”- Former client Jerry P.
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We Provide Free Consultations
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Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Recovered For Our Clients
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Client-Centered Approach
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Real Life Experience & Knowledge
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Personalized Attention & Care