Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Mistakes happen in hospitals and doctor’s offices every day. Sometimes, adverse outcomes happen, despite a doctor providing the highest level of care. When injuries occur due to a care professional’s negligence, however, a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer might be able to help.

If you sustained an injury while under the care of a negligent health care provider, the stress, pain, and financial toll you might be experiencing can be overwhelming.

However, you might be entitled to pursue monetary compensation for your injury-related losses by filing a civil lawsuit. To hold the negligent doctor or medical personnel accountable, it could be beneficial to discuss your circumstance with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today.

Types of Medical Malpractice

There are many forms medical malpractice can take. Regardless of the cause of the injury, however, malpractice can result in severe consequences. When a patient is injured, they may benefit from the guidance of a compassionate medical malpractice attorney in Philadelphia. Usually, these claims fall into one of six categories:

• Misdiagnosis
• Failure to treat
• Late diagnosis
• Surgical error
• Birth injury

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis is a common basis for malpractice claims. For example, these claims may occur when a doctor fails to identify the correct illness when examining a patient. A misdiagnosis can result in a patient receiving treatment for the wrong illness—or no treatment at all. Either way, the results can be severe.

Failure to Treat

Mistakes can still occur even when a doctor properly diagnoses an illness, however. Malpractice can also occur when a doctor fails to treat a patient due to a charting mistake or simply forgetting to order treatment.

Late Diagnosis

If a doctor initially fails to identify the cause of a patient’s ailment, it can often be too late to administer the appropriate treatment once the doctor later determines a diagnosis error was made.

Surgical Error

Surgical procedures are some of the riskiest procedures a patient can undergo. Despite these challenges, doctors must adhere to minimum standards of care in order to protect the health of their patients. When a doctor breaches that standard of care, they might be considered to be negligent.

Birth Injury

A medical injury during childbirth can be devastating. These injuries are especially traumatic due to the risk to the health of both the mother and the child. Birth injuries are often the result of mistakes during delivery. However, poor prenatal care can also lead to an injury.

Damages Available in Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Cases

When a medical professional’s negligence results in a medical malpractice claim, the injured patient may be entitled to pursue compensation for their losses. Damages in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases can vary based on the severity of the injury and the impact on the patient’s life. A Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer can help determine which damages you may recover. Below are some common types of damages available in a medical malpractice lawsuit:

1. Medical Expenses

Medical malpractice often leads to additional medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Whether the malpractice involved surgical errors, delayed diagnosis, or other healthcare provider mistakes, a successful medical malpractice claim can recover these costs. Experienced medical malpractice attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, can help calculate both past and future medical expenses in your case.

2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If a medical error or medical mistake causes a patient to miss work or affects their ability to earn a living, compensation may be available for lost wages. In cases of severe injuries, such as brain injury or cerebral palsy caused by medical negligence, a qualified medical malpractice lawyer can also pursue damages for loss of future earning capacity.

3. Pain and Suffering

The physical pain and emotional suffering caused by medical mistakes, such as anesthesia errors or medical device errors, can be devastating. A medical malpractice attorney in Philadelphia can seek compensation for both the pain endured and the emotional distress suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence.

4. Loss of Consortium

Medical malpractice may not only affect the patient but also their loved ones. Loss of consortium damages can be awarded to compensate family members for the loss of companionship, care, or guidance caused by the patient’s injury or death. Hospital malpractice or severe brain damage from medical negligence can significantly impact a family’s life, and top medical malpractice lawyers will work to recover these damages.

5. Punitive Damages

In rare cases where a healthcare provider’s actions are particularly egregious, punitive damages may be available. These damages are designed to punish the negligent medical professional or medical facility for reckless or intentional misconduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. A Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer can advise you if punitive damages apply in your case.

6. Wrongful Death

If medical malpractice results in the death of a patient, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills leading up to death, and the emotional trauma suffered by surviving family members.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical mistakes, consult an experienced medical malpractice lawyer today. Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers can evaluate your medical records, prove medical malpractice, and fight for the compensation you deserve. A free case evaluation can help determine the best course of action for your medical malpractice lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Malpractice Claims

The statute of limitations is a state law that sets the timeframe in which a plaintiff can bring a medical malpractice suit forward. In fact, the court has the right to dismiss any lawsuit filed after the limitations period has expired.

There is little leeway with these deadlines, which makes it critical for a proactive Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer to comply with these statutes. In PA, this deadline is usually two years from the date that the plaintiff learned—or should reasonably have learned—of their injuries or worsened medical condition.

Discussing Legal Options with a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorney

When doctors violate their oath to protect their patients, injuries are likely. If you or a loved one was injured due to a medical professional’s careless or reckless behavior, a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer could work diligently to ensure your claim receives the attention it deserves.

To learn more about the litigation process and how a seasoned attorney might help, call to schedule your initial consultation.