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Dr. Bruce G. Fagel

Physician-Attorney
Best Medmal Attorney in the State

The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel
Call us today!
Local Office
San Diego, CA 92122
Map

Phone: (619) 440-8510 | Fax: (310) 281-3636
http://www.fagellaw.com

http://www.cerebralpalsydoctorlawyer.com/

Types of Cases
Qualifications
Work History
Personality & Philosophy
Office Information
Fees

Legal Topic

Personal Injury

Preferred New Clients

Because we only handle medical malpractice cases, we only take clients who have been injured by healthcare professionals and facilities.

Sub-Topics

Medical Malpractice

Anesthesia Malpractice
Birth Injuries and Defects
Cosmetic Surgery
Dental Malpractice
Elder and Nursing Home Abuse
Emergency Room Errors
HMO Managed Case
Lasik Eye Surgery
Medication Malpractice
Nursing Home Negligence
Prescription/Drug Malpractice
Spinal Cord Injury
Surgical Errors
Wrong Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis

Serious/Catastrophic Injuries

Amputation
Birth Injury
Burn Injury
Head/Brain Injury
Paralysis

Wrongful Death

Bar Admissions

CA, Jan 1982
Bar Number: 103674

Other Court Admissions

• California State Courts
• California Federal Courts
• U.S. Supreme Court
• United States Districts Courts in California

Association Memberships

California State Bar Association, and Consumer Attorneys of California. Please visit www.fagellaw.com for a complete list.

Continuing Education

I attend conferences of the Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles, Consumer Attorney Association of California, and the American Association of Justice. Additionally, I am often an invited speaker at many continuing education conferences.

Papers and Publications

I am a frequent contributor to many legal and medical publications. The most recent are opinion pieces in the Daily Journal. Reproductions of all my articles can be found at the firm's website.

Example Cases

I obtained the largest medical malpractice verdict in the history of California--a $460 million verdict in a birth injury case. Many of our verdicts and settlements are for millions of dollars.

Education

School:

Whittier College School of Law

Degree:

Juris Doctorate

City:

Los Angeles

State:

Year:

1982

Honors:

Cum Laude.

School:

Illinois Medical College of Medicine

Degree:

Doctor of Medicine

City:

Chicago

State:

Year:

1972

Focus and Accomplishments:

Practiced emergency medicine for 10 years.

Number of Attorneys

State Licensed In

California.

Firm Focus and History

The firm was established in 1984 and only handles medical malpractice cases with an emphasis on birth injuries, brain injuries, wrongful deaths, and elder abuse. We are dedicated to fighting for clients and getting them the results they deserve.

We have offices throughout California--including Orange County, San Diego, Fresno, Riverside, Bakersfield, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Jose--as well as in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Previous Employment Summary

I practiced emergency medicine for 10 years before getting my law degree and founding the firm.

Activities and Awards

• AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Invited speaker at international attorney organizations, as well as at physician and hospital organizations
• Listed as one of Best Lawyers in America, 2007
• Eight-time nominee for Consumer Attorneys Association Trial Lawyer of the Year
• Frequent contributing author to publications of the Consumer Attorneys of California, the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Daily Journal

I have been directly involved in the legislative process affecting medical malpractice cases. I assisted in effecting the passage of California Code of Civil Procedure Section 36(g), which provides for a priority Trial date for children under the age of 14 who are injured due to medical malpractice.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I am very supportive of clients educating themselves on legal issues. I believe that the more they know about the judicial system, the better prepared they are for depositions and a possible trial. Ultimately, they have a better understanding of the pertinent information and the best way to present it.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am always willing to review these documents. It gives me insight into my client and what their thought process is.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

As a rule, I do not do this.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

Having started out as a doctor in the emergency room, I saw a lot of patients injured by negligence and other acts of malpractice. I realized that I could have a greater impact on many people's lives as an attorney than as a doctor. Injured parties--particularly birth injuries--need resources for a lifetime of challenges. I can, and do, help make a difference.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Obviously, having a medical background, and retaining a medical license and taking continuing education courses, makes me more knowledgeable and a better attorney--particularly in handling medical malpractice cases.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I chose medical malpractice because of my medical knowledge, and because I saw firsthand some of the life-changing errors that were made by healthcare professionals.

What do you like best about your career?

There is nothing like seeing the smiles and tears of joy on the faces of my clients, their guardians, or their survivors. Most times they have gone through devastating times, and while the monetary award is small consolation, I take pride and satisfaction in knowing that I have helped in some small way.

Tell us about your law firm:

I have a staff that has been with me for years, so they understand the processes very well. They know the importance of acting and responding in a timely fashion. Also, they are courteous, knowledgeable, friendly, and compassionate. Their organizational skills make our office very efficient.

What are your strengths and style?

I know two professions very well. I can look at medical records and know if my client has a case. I know what should and what shouldn't happen in medical settings. I am well prepared, and I have the reputation of only taking cases where malpractice has occurred. Therefore, I have the respect of defense attorneys, insurance companies, and judges.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as reading.

Office Manager/Assistant

Trudy Fagel

Fax

(310) 281-3636

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We will meet with any potential client at a convenient location if they are unable to meet at one of our offices.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

We have people who speak Spanish and Tagalog.

Additional Offices

Beverly Hills, CA
100 N. Crescent Dr.
Suite 360
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(800) 541-9376

Mission Viejo
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Local Office
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 837-4997

Bakersfield
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Local Office
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 263-8853

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

As a plaintiff attorney, we cover all costs and expenses. I only receive a fee if we are victorious. Most state statutes dictate what fees we are entitled to in terms of percentages.

Hourly Rates

Not applicable.

Free Initial Consultation?

The firm offers a free initial consultation and evaluation. The amount of time varies from case to case.

Typical Retainer