What Counts as Medical Malpractice? Understanding Your Rights as a Patient

When we place our trust in doctors and hospitals, we expect to receive safe, skilled, and compassionate care. Most of the time, that’s exactly what happens. But when something goes wrong – when a diagnosis is missed, an error is made during surgery, or a provider fails to listen – it can leave patients and their families reeling.

That’s where medical malpractice law comes in. Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes harm to a patient. It’s more than just a bad outcome. It’s when a provider fails to follow the accepted standard of care, and that failure leads to injury or harm. Pennsylvania medical malpractice claims rise or fall on proving that specific failure, which is why these cases require expert medical review before they can even be filed.

Our Scranton medical malpractice lawyers see the impact of medical negligence every day. We’ve worked with families who were left without answers, with patients who felt ignored, and with people who knew something was wrong but didn’t know where to turn. These cases are often complex and emotionally difficult, but we’re here to help guide you through every step.

Our team handles a wide range of malpractice cases, including surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, medication mistakes, failures in prenatal care, and birth injuries. If you think something may have gone wrong with your medical care, here are a few things you can do:

• Start documenting everything: dates, symptoms, names of doctors, and anything you were told.
• Take photographs when applicable.
• Request copies of your medical records.
• Get a second opinion from another trusted healthcare provider.
• Reach out to an experienced malpractice attorney for guidance.

Cases like this aren’t just about medical errors. They’re about real people who deserve answers, accountability, and care. As a mother herself, Melissa Scartelli brings a deeply personal commitment to each case. She fights not just for justice, but for the dignity and safety of every client.

If you believe you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. A Wilkes-Barre medical malpractice lawyer from our office on Public Square can review your records, tell you whether the care fell short, and explain what your options are. We’re here to listen, to investigate, and to fight for what’s right.

Scartelli Olszewski P.C.