Levittown Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When we’re injured or unwell and in need of quality health care, we all place immense trust in medical professionals to provide competent and compassionate care.

However, when medical errors occur, the consequences can be devastating, leading to injuries, disabilities, or even loss of life. According to a 2017 Studies in Health Technology and Informatics study published by the National Institutes of Health, concerns like these account for countless injuries and illnesses and an estimated 251,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

In these unfortunate circumstances, seeking the guidance of a Levittown medical malpractice lawyer can be essential for navigating the complexities of malpractice claims and obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.

That’s where Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can help. Get in touch with us by phone or email to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your case.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice encompasses a broad range of errors, omissions, or negligence by health care professionals that result in harm to patients. Some common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: When a health care provider fails to accurately diagnose a medical condition or delays the diagnosis, it can lead to delays in treatment or the administration of inappropriate treatments, potentially causing harm or allowing the condition to worsen.
• Surgical Errors: Surgical errors can occur during any phase of a surgical procedure, from anesthesia administration to post-operative care. Examples include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments or foreign objects inside the patient’s body, or damaging surrounding tissues or organs during surgery.
• Medication Errors: Medication errors can occur when health care providers prescribe the wrong medication, administer the wrong dosage, fail to consider potential drug interactions, or provide medication to which the patient is allergic. These errors can lead to adverse drug reactions, worsening of the patient’s condition, or other complications.
• Birth Injuries: Birth injuries can occur during childbirth due to medical negligence or errors in prenatal care, labor, or delivery. Examples include oxygen deprivation leading to cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries due to improper delivery techniques, or failure to diagnose and respond to fetal distress.
• Anesthesia Errors: This includes mistakes that occur during the administration of anesthesia before, during, or after surgery. Examples include administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs adequately, or failing to recognize and respond to complications such as allergic reactions or anesthesia awareness.
• Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Health care providers have a legal and ethical obligation to obtain informed consent from patients before performing medical procedures or treatments. Failure to adequately inform patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a proposed treatment can constitute medical malpractice.
• Lack of Follow-Up or Aftercare: Medical malpractice can also occur when health care providers fail to provide appropriate follow-up care or aftercare following a procedure or treatment. This can include failure to monitor the patient’s condition, provide necessary post-operative instructions, or arrange for appropriate follow-up appointments.
• Negligent Supervision or Training: In some cases, medical malpractice may result from inadequate supervision or training of health care providers, leading to errors or negligence in patient care. This can include situations where inexperienced or unqualified personnel are allowed to perform tasks beyond their training or capabilities.

These are just a few examples of common medical malpractice cases, but the specific circumstances of each case can vary widely. If you believe you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical malpractice, it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney who can assess your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Health Care Provider Errors and Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider fails to meet the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in harm to the patient. This can encompass a wide range of negligent actions or omissions, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and failure to obtain informed consent.

Navigating medical malpractice laws and regulations in Pennsylvania requires a comprehensive understanding of both state and federal statutes, as well as case law that governs medical negligence claims.

Here’s an overview of key aspects of medical malpractice laws and regulations applicable in Levittown:

• Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, there’s a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing medical malpractice lawsuits. Generally, patients have two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions for cases involving minors and cases where the injury isn’t immediately apparent.
• Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that a plaintiff’s recovery can be reduced if they are found partially at fault for their injuries. If the plaintiff is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages.
• Damage Caps: Pennsylvania does not have statutory caps on economic or non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical care costs, while non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Expert Witness Testimony: Expert witness testimony is crucial in medical malpractice cases to establish the standard of care, demonstrate deviations from that standard, and establish causation between the deviation and the patient’s injuries. Attorneys must carefully select qualified medical experts to testify on behalf of their clients.
• Hospital Liability: Pennsylvania hospitals can be held liable for medical malpractice committed by their employees (corporate negligence), including physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. This liability may extend to cases of negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, or failure to maintain proper protocols and procedures.
• Informed Consent: Health care providers in Pennsylvania are required to obtain informed consent from patients before performing medical procedures or treatments. Patients must be adequately informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed treatment or procedure before providing consent.

Navigating the intricacies of medical malpractice laws and regulations requires the expertise of experienced legal professionals who understand the nuances of state statutes, court procedures, and case precedents.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, it’s important that you seek guidance from a knowledgeable Levittown medical malpractice lawyer who specializes in this area of the law to protect your rights and pursue justice. Contact our law firm to speak with one of our attorneys now.

The Role of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Levittown

Data from the American Medical Association (AMA, 2022) shows that nearly one-third (31.2%) of physicians reported that they had previously been sued for negligence or error.

Your lawyer serves as a staunch advocate for patients who have suffered harm due to medical negligence. They possess specialized knowledge and experience in medical malpractice law, allowing them to assess the merits of a case, identify instances of negligence, and pursue legal action on behalf of their clients.

Legal Expertise in Medical Malpractice Law

One of the primary responsibilities of a medical malpractice attorney is to navigate the complexities of medical malpractice litigation (court cases) on behalf of their clients.

This entails conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, consulting with medical experts, and building compelling legal arguments to support the client’s claim. They understand the intricacies of state laws governing medical malpractice claims and work diligently to ensure that their client’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Building a Strong Case

Central to the success of a medical malpractice claim is the ability to build a strong case supported by credible evidence.

Lawyers work diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged malpractice, reviewing medical records, consulting with experts, and interviewing witnesses to establish liability. This comprehensive approach enables them to present a compelling case that withstands scrutiny in court.

Maximum Compensation

Securing fair compensation for their clients is a top priority for medical malpractice lawyers.

They understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that medical malpractice can take on victims and their families, and they strive to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and other related damages.

Support for Victims and Families

Beyond their legal expertise, Levittown medical malpractice lawyers offer compassionate support and guidance to victims and their families throughout the legal process.

Building a Solid Malpractice Claim Starts With a Free Consultation

We understand the emotional turmoil that accompanies medical malpractice injuries and provide a supportive environment for you to express your concerns, ask questions, and seek guidance.

Our goal is to ensure that you feel empowered and supported as you navigate the complexities of your legal claim.

In the aftermath of a medical error, victims deserve justice, accountability, and closure.

Unfortunately, these incidents occur more often than we want to believe. In the United States, medical mistakes are now the third-leading cause of death, according to a 2016 BMJ research study.

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we play a critical role in advocating for the rights of patients who have been harmed by medical negligence. By leveraging their legal expertise, compassion, and dedication, each Levittown medical malpractice lawyer on our team holds negligent health care providers accountable and secures fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

In doing so, they help to promote accountability within the health care system and ensure that you and your family receive the justice and closure you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered from medical negligence or malpractice, contact us today to protect your rights and to seek justice and fair compensation.