In the field of personal injury law, medical malpractice arises when a healthcare professional or provider administers treatment that is considered to be inadequate, leading to harm, injury, or the death of a patient, either through negligence or omission. These claims are unique in that physicians typically have strong legal protections in place, which can make proving the case more challenging when compared to other lawsuits.
Medical Malpractice: What You Need To Know
Doctors and other medical professionals in Canada are backed by the Canadian Medical Protective Association, which provides defence funds in the event they are sued for breach of care. This level of protection discourages many from pursuing legal action, as it is widely seen that the defence will have a stronger legal team than the plaintiff can provide.
Further, a study found that physicians win 80% to 90% of jury trials with weak evidence, painting the picture of an uphill battle for many who might be seeking fair compensation for what happened to them.1
While these cases tend to be more intricate than others related to personal injury law, rest assured Bergeron Clifford is here to help. Our experienced lawyers have a proven track record and commitment for ensuring our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries. If you believe you have a medical malpractice case and need a lawyer, please reach out to us.
Medical Errors and the Healthcare System
It has been estimated that medical errors impact up to 25% of Canadians in some way.2While these errors cover a wide range of treatments, diagnoses, and surgeries, it is important to note that patients expect a consistent and standard quality of care.
Doctors are also expected to obtain informed consent throughout various aspects of health care processes, such as before treatments, which includes explaining the benefits of the treatment, the possible risks of treatment, and the alternatives to treatment.3 Failure to do so may constitute negligence. This is where medical malpractice lawyers step in.
How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
When the standard of care is compromised, people can suffer from enduring significant personal losses. In 2022 and 2023, 1 in 17 hospital stays resulted in some kind of patient harm. In our experience, victims of medical malpractice often deal not only with pain and disability but with a sense of betrayal and regret. When malpractice involves injuries to children or results in fatalities, the betrayal and regret may be overwhelming.
Medical malpractice claims need to be acted on quickly and with skill. Knowing the laws is one thing, but having the experience and resources to fully understand and make a case is another. At Bergeron Clifford, our medical malpractice lawyers are equipped with all the tools required to get you compensated. Our medical malpractice lawyers have the track record and know-how to handle the most intricate and demanding cases.
If you or someone you care for is suffering as a result of medical malpractice, contact us. We will connect you with our expert medical malpractice lawyers.
Your Legal Team
Warren WhiteKnight
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Personal Injury
Accident Benefits Claims
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Medical Malpractice
Reviews
Explore our Facebook and Google testimonials on our legal representation, including the Kingston, Ottawa, Carleton Place and Perth, and Google testimonial pages.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an opportunity to watch Rachel Law successfully defend a case at The Court of Appeals and was very impressed with her knowledge and professionalism. It was clear that Rachel cared deeply about her clients and wanted the best possible outcome. Tina McCarney2025-08-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachel Law and team are fantastic at what they do. They will research completely and get the best possible outcome for you Mike McCarney2025-08-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of working with Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers over the past few years, and I can't say enough about how supportive, compassionate, and professional the entire team was throughout my experience. Although the circumstances of needing a personal injury lawyer were difficult, the care and dedication I received made a world of difference. Kanon Clifford and his team were always patient, informative, and genuinely cared about my well-being. I always felt heard, respected, and confident that my case was in good hands. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I truly appreciate your guidance and support and would highly recommend Bergeron Clifford to anyone in need of legal representation after an injury. Jackie Boivin2025-07-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have a very good experience so far with Kanon Clifford and his team. Since my first consultation with Kanon he did a great job answering all my questions and explaining the process clearly. He is very professional and follows up frequently. I'm happy with the amount of communication and support I'm getting from him and his team. Maya Sabbah2025-07-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. everyone was super friendly and helpful. I ended up with a good settlement after my accident. would definitely recommend them 👌 sue st laurent2025-06-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to the excellent team at Bergeron Clifford, led by our very talented lawyer, Warren Whiteknight! My husband and I struggled to navigate our own way through "the system" for the first year after his serious car accident in June 2022 but, once we engaged Warren and his team, we immediately felt understood and supported at every step. Every question was answered, every need was met, and we were very pleased with the outcome! I especially appreciated that, as the spouse, I always felt welcome, respected and included. I'd also like to extend a special thank you to Benjamin Emerson, Lorraine MacFarlane, Samuel Davies, and the rest of Warren's team for their exceptional support! I am delighted to leave a 5-star review and would give more stars if possible! Diana2025-06-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our families experience with solicitor Warren Whiteknight and his team at the Bergeron Clifford Injury Law was nothing short of amazing! Their attention to detail and empathy made a difficult time somewhat easier. If you need a compassionate, professional, and thorough solicitor by your side, do not hesitate to contact this firm. Family of RD - Napanee Debra Vine2025-05-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Warren WhiteKnight and his team are amazing to work with. Treated me with respect, very knowledgeable, quick to respond and always ensured I understood what exactly was going on. From our first meeting, I felt comfortable leaving my case in my hands. I highly recommend! April2025-02-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When we first had the accident we were referred to Chris Clifford. He was on holidays and still contacted us immediately. We were referred to his son Kanon and we were told both Chris and Kanon would be looking after our case. It has been a very confusing experience so far, but everyone especially Marianne and Casie. Were there to help.They have walked us through all the insurance paperwork and everything else, especially all my emails asking questions. If you need to call them they are always available to help. I would referred Bergeron, Clifford to anyone. Deborah Crowder2024-12-27
Contact Us Today
If you are a victim of medical malpractice, contact us at 866-535-5003 or fill out our online form. We represent clients throughout Eastern Ontario and can meet you at our offices in Kingston, Ottawa, Whitby, Carleton Place, Perth, at your home or hospital, or wherever is most convenient for you. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Determining if you have a medical malpractice case requires careful examination of your situation. Our team of experienced lawyers will review your medical records and consult with experts to assess the care provided against the accepted standard. We understand this can be a distressing time, and we are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
In a medical malpractice case, you may be eligible to recover various damages, known as punitive and non-punitive expenses. This can cover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. To better understand the potential compensation available, please reach out to us and request a free consultation.
Several factors come into play that can impact the timeline of these claims. While some cases may settle relatively quickly, others may require litigation and could take longer to resolve. Throughout the process, our dedicated legal team will keep you informed and strive to achieve a resolution as efficiently as possible while prioritizing your well-being and best interests.
At our firm, we understand the financial strain you may be under due to your circumstances. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no initial fees associated with our services, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Yes, you can pursue a medical malpractice claim on behalf of a deceased loved one through a wrongful death lawsuit. While nothing can undo the pain of losing a family member, holding negligent parties accountable can provide a sense of justice and closure. Our compassionate legal team is here to navigate you through this process with empathy and skill, seeking fair compensation for your loss and advocating for accountability.
Sources
- Peters, Philip G. 2008. “Twenty Years of Evidence on the Outcomes of Malpractice Claims.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 467 (2): 352–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0631-7.
- Gagnon, L. 2004. “Medical Error Affects Nearly 25% of Canadians.” Canadian Medical Association Journal 171 (2): 123–23. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1041037.
- Shah, Parth, Imani Thornton, Danielle Turrin, and John E. Hipskind. 2021. “Informed Consent.” PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430827/#.


