Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in California typically involves the following steps. The first step is to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim. Next, your lawyer will file a complaint with the court outlining the details of your case, including the injuries you suffered, the healthcare provider(s) responsible, and the damages you are seeking. Once the complaint is served to the defendant(s), lawyers begin the discovery and negotiation portions of the lawsuit.