Pennsylvania Malpractice Law

Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers

The key to proving medical malpractice in New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia is showing the existence of negligence.  Doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers based in Philadelphia County and elsewhere in Pennsylvania have a responsibility to show patients the same level and care as recognized by the rest of the medical community. Any behavior that deviates from these standards that results in harm may be considered malpractice and can be grounds for litigation.

Pennsylvania medical malpractice law provides recourse for the injured

Examples of malpractice in which a plaintiff may file suit under Pennsylvania medical malpractice law include:

• Misdiagnosis.  Few actions can cause the amount of physical and emotional pain as a misdiagnosis.  This is especially dangerous because every medical action thereafter is based on the initial diagnosis.  Unnecessary drugs and other treatments may take the place of appropriate care, while illness gets worse.  And if an individual is misdiagnosed with a terminal illness, unnecessary stress may be brought upon an entire family.
• Medication errors.  Doctors who prescribe the wrong medication may face the consequences of malpractice law.  In some cases, a mix up in medications may cause minor or temporary injury.  However, when treating a more serious illness, a failure to provide a patient with the right medicine can lead to death.
• Surgical mistakes.  Many malpractice cases each year are against surgeons.  Operating on the wrong location, leaving instruments behind, or performing an improper procedure are all examples of surgical mistakes that fall under Pennsylvania medical malpractice laws and are subject to litigation.
• Nursing home abuse.  Abuse of the elderly is a growing problem.  Nurses and doctors who neglect the needs of nursing home patients are responsible for medical malpractice and a lawsuit can be filed against them.
• Birth injuries:  If not performed properly, the delivery of a baby can result in injury or death.  Failure to acknowledge fetal distress—resulting in cerebral palsy or other brain injury—is an example of medical malpractice.  If your child has suffered a birth injury, an experienced lawyer can help you file a malpractice lawsuit in Philadelphia County or elsewhere in Pennsylvania.

Malpractice laws in Pennsylvania require a certificate of merit

In recent years, the number of medical malpractice lawsuits in Pennsylvania dropped by 39 percent.  This decrease is attributed to a law passed in 2003 by the state Supreme Court that requires plaintiffs to obtain a certificate of merit from a medical professional that establishes what happened was indeed malpractice.  Essentially, this law has eliminated a significant portion of frivolous claims and lawsuits.  At the New Jersey and Pennsylvania medical malpractice law firm, each case is carefully examined to determine if the proper standard of proof is accessible.  Cases without strong proof would be unethical to pursue.

Contact our today for a free consultation

If you believe you are eligible to file a Philadelphia County or New Jersey medical malpractice claim, please call the Law Offices of Richard S. Seidel, P.C. at 215-546-1225 or toll free at 1-877-593-3067 or contact Richard Seidel online.