As patients, we often put our lives in our medical providers’ hands – sometimes quite literally. Most doctors and nurses do their best to provide quality care, but mistakes happen. If you believe you were harmed by substandard medical care, what can you do about it?
In this post, the Scranton medical malpractice lawyers at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. discuss the steps you can take when you suspect medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver proper medical care. To determine what constitutes “proper medical care,” courts evaluate whether other providers would have done the same thing in similar circumstances. If a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional deviates from their professional standard of care and a patient is harmed, they may be liable for malpractice.
Medical providers can make several errors that hurt patients, whether due to overwork, lack of preparation, or simple carelessness. The following are common types of medical malpractice:
While you may already know doctors can commit malpractice, other healthcare providers can, too. The following medical entities can face malpractice claims:
If you were seriously hurt or lost a loved one from a medical mistake, you may qualify to file a malpractice claim. Any case built on suspected medical malpractice in Pennsylvania has to clear a Certificate of Merit, a sworn statement from a qualified medical expert confirming the care fell below standard, filed within 60 days of the complaint. The steps below build toward that filing.
If you suffered an injury during a procedure or are experiencing other complications, seek medical attention immediately. The doctor who treated you may be able to help solve your problem, sometimes free of charge. If you don’t feel comfortable going to the original healthcare office, you may visit someone else. A second opinion can often identify and correct medical mistakes.
If you end up filing a malpractice claim, you will need solid documentation to support your case. One of the first things you should do if you suspect medical malpractice is request a copy of your medical records. Medical providers must provide your records within 30 calendar days, cannot ask why you want them, and may not charge any fees to access them.
If you suspect medical malpractice caused a family member’s death, request that an autopsy be performed. The institution where the death occurred may offer an autopsy. Otherwise, you can request a private one. The autopsy report can help explain and document the cause of death.
Malpractice cases are some of the most challenging legal claims to pursue. They require an analysis of complex medical documentation and the opinions of expert witnesses. A Wilkes-Barre medical malpractice lawyer can read the chart, identify which provider deviated from the standard, and line up the expert whose signature your Certificate of Merit depends on.
A malpractice attorney can evaluate the merits of your claim, help you gather evidence, hire medical consultants, and file the proper paperwork in court. They also have strong negotiation skills to go up against major malpractice insurance companies.
If you suspect medical malpractice, Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., can help evaluate your options. Our knowledgeable Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys have experience representing seriously injured patients in state and federal court. We are proud to have recently achieved a malpractice jury verdict of $10 million. Call us today at (570) 346-2600 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our team.
I don't think I could have picked a better team to represent my case. My situation was unique and extremely complicated but it was handled with the utmost care and professionalism. The firm's strong and organized representation ultimately brought great results and helped reconcile a tragic event.
- Jeremy S.
Was wrongly accused of a very serious Felony 3 account and hired Peter Paul Olszewski. The entire firm of Scartelli Olszewski worked tirelessly to have the Pike County Assistant District Attorney as well as the District Magistrate Judge Dismiss the charges! Very pleased with the outcome of this Law Firm and recommend this Law Firm.
- Kerry S.Dealing with the attorneys over at Scartelli Olszewski was nothing short of satisfactory. Through the entire 4 year process we had, I was constantly kept updated and cared for. More than doing their job, they truly care for their clients which I felt off the first meeting with Melissa. Both my family and I are forever thankful for them!
- Noah T.If you’ve ever heard someone mention “expert doctors” in a medical malpractice case, you may have wondered what that actually...
Read MoreSeptember is Sepsis Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most common causes of death in US hospitals,...
Read MoreThere is no moment that compares to holding your child for the first time, the deep feeling of tenderness and...
Read MoreAfter an accident, who you hire matters. We've spent years fighting for families just like yours – and we're ready to fight for you.
Wilkes Barre Office (Appointment Only)
Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.
7 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
