Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When doctors make mistakes, Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan are here to hold them accountable.
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Medical malpractice cases are known to be notoriously intricate and challenging. Along with dealing with injuries, patients also struggle to accept that a trusted health care professional or institution engaged in malpractice or negligence. The physical, emotional, and financial burden can be difficult for many. However, there are legal options available.
Health practitioners have a duty to help, not hurt. When they break that oath, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer can assist with your case. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we understand that these cases take their toll on victims and their families.
For that reason, we want to make the process as seamless as possible for you. Contact our office today if you are ready to take the next step.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
When a patient has been harmed by a health care provider’s actions or inactions, that is often the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit. In these cases, the provider did not meet the proper standard of care through an intentional act or omission.
Any health care provider has a duty of care, or legal obligation, to provide reasonable and competent care to a patient. When they fail to meet that level of expected care, that is known as breach of duty.
A medical malpractice claim occurs when a breach of duty leads to harm, such as injury, illness, or death. The injured patient and their legal team must show that:
- There was a duty of care owed by the health care provider.
- The provider breached this duty.
- There is a link between the breach and the patient’s harm.
- The patient suffered actual damages.
Fortunately, there is hope in these cases. If you have been affected by medical malpractice issues, reach out to the legal team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan. We can help you understand your legal options.
Meet Our Attorneys
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536Paul Bucci Paul BucciAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
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539Sam Reich Sam ReichAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
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6024Griffin Remick Griffin RemickAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
Have You Been Harmed by a Health Care Provider?
According to a Journal of Anesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Another StatPearls study, also published by the NLM, found that approximately 400,000 hospitalized patients experience some preventable harm each year. These negligent mistakes should never happen, but they continue to occur throughout Philadelphia and across the country.
Medical malpractice cases can cover a wide range of actions or inactions from the health care provider, such as:
Misdiagnosis
When you are sick, you expect your doctor or health care provider to determine the issues. However, misdiagnosis can occur as the provider incorrectly identifies your condition.
Many times, this results in delayed or incorrect treatment. For example, mistaking ovarian cancer for irritable bowel syndrome could lead to going to the appropriate treatment. If the cancer is rapidly growing, it could end in a wrongful death of the patient.
Failure to Diagnose
Along with misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose could also have serious consequences for the patient. When health care providers miss the symptoms of a serious condition, such as heart disease, they can delay crucial treatment. Sometimes, this can potentially lead to worsening health for the patient.
Improper Testing
Even after a patient has been diagnosed, they will require testing to determine the cause of their health concerns. A provider failing to perform or order the appropriate medical tests can result in delayed treatment or even a misdiagnosis. The right tests ensure that all patients receive accurate diagnoses and timely interventions. Without the necessary tests, patients may not receive the care needed to treat these ailments.
Surgical Errors
When you head into surgery, you expect that the medical team has all the right information and the necessary skills for the procedure. However, that is not always the case. Surgical mistakes can include:
- Performing the wrong procedure
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Using improper surgical techniques
- Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body
Medication Errors
Whether you see a doctor in an office for treatment or spend time in a hospital, you might need to take medication to help with your medical conditions. Unfortunately, medication errors can occur at any stage of the medication process. The doctor might prescribe the wrong medicine, the pharmacist dispenses the wrong dose, or the nurse does not monitor for adverse reactions. All of these factors could lead to a medication error. In some cases, this can lead to a worsening of the person’s medical condition or even death in some cases.
Lack of Monitoring
Along with treating the patient, health care staff have the duty to monitor their patient for any signs of distress or other complications. Close monitoring identifies any potential issues or changes in a patient’s condition, allowing for timely intervention and care. Without proper monitoring, patients may be at risk of experiencing unnecessary harm. As a result, these health care providers may be held accountable for any resulting negligence.
Birth Injuries
Medical malpractice can even affect one of the most joyous occasions: the birth of a new baby. Birth injuries will have a major impact on a child’s life. While they can be due to various factors, medical negligence during childbirth is often a common cause.
Whether the medical team did not monitor the infant’s health or incorrectly used forceps during the delivery, these actions can cause a lifetime of pain for both the child and their parents. All medical professionals need to take all necessary precautions and provide proper care before, during, and after childbirth to prevent these injuries.
If you or a loved one have been affected by any of the medical mistakes, it is time to talk to a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer. We are here to listen to your story and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your case.
Who Is Responsible for Medical Negligence?
If you want to start the claims process, you will need to identify the responsible parties. In many cases, while it may seem like one individual was involved, there could be several health care professionals who were negligent in their actions or lack thereof. These parties can include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Specialists
- Surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Radiologists
- Laboratory
- Pharmacists
As you can tell, that is not an exhaustive list; even dentists, ophthalmologists, and other health care professionals could be liable for any injuries received during the diagnosing, treatment, or monitoring stages of the health care process.
However, sometimes, not one person but an entire medical group or hospital facility could be liable for malpractice.
The shift from non-profit to for-profit hospital management has transformed the health care landscape. With large corporate entities at the helm, the primary focus is financial gains rather than patient care. This has raised concerns about prioritizing profit over the well-being of patients.
Also, the issue of medical negligence in hospitals is a pressing concern nationwide, and the Philadelphia area is no exception. A recent BMJ Quality & Safety study states that about 795,000 patients have lost their lives or become permanently disabled due to preventable medical errors, with many of these incidents occurring within hospital settings.
Whether you have been affected by the mistake of one medical professional or feel that the actions of a corporate entity caused you harm, you have the right to pursue compensation from these negligent parties.
Pennsylvania Laws Make It Harder to Seek Compensation
Unfortunately, the patient and their family members will feel the effects of medical malpractice for a long time. These individuals may have substantial medical bills due to additional treatments, surgeries, or extended hospital stays caused by errors. Along with that, they may deal with an emotional toll as they face long-lasting physical and emotional consequences.
In some cases, these mistakes can cause a death, leaving families in grief and wanting answers for their loved one’s untimely passing. With these scenarios, patients and their loved ones have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Pennsylvania. These claims can help recover some medical treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, Pennsylvania has specific laws for medical malpractice claims. One requirement is the “certificate of merit.” Your lawyer must obtain this certificate before you can file this type of lawsuit.
In these cases, you will need to have a qualified medical professional to review the case. If they find evidence of negligence on behalf of a doctor, health care provider, or hospital, you can remove this certificate of merit.
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we understand the financial difficulties of these times. With a free consultation, we can help you assess the validity of your claim and take the next steps toward seeking compensation for your injuries.
Your Right to Financial Recovery if You're Hurt or Ill
When these medical errors occur, you have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
In cases where a patient dies due to medical negligence, surviving spouses, children, or parents may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. With that, they can get compensation for the loss of their loved one, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Depending on your circumstances, these recoverable options may be available to you. However, without consulting with a Philadelphia medical negligence lawyer, you may not know the full calculation of your damages. Reach out to Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan to explore your options.
Advocating for Your Rights in These Medical Malpractice Claims
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we approach these claims compassionately. Over the years, we have handled many complex medical malpractice cases and brought them to a successful conclusion. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for those who have suffered negligence on behalf of a health care provider or a hospital.
If you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence, we offer a free consultation to help you understand your options. Our goal is to help you seek compensation for your suffering and to support you in getting back on your feet. Contact us today to reach out to a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1100 Ludlow Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
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