No-obligation & Free Consulation
1760 Market Street, Suite 603 | Philadelphia, Pa 19103
- 1760 Market Street, Suite 603 | Philadelphia, Pa 19103
No-obligation & Free Consulation
1760 Market Street, Suite 603 | Philadelphia, Pa 19103
Research has shown that preventable medical errors remain a major patient safety concern in the United States. A 2023 study published in BMJ Quality & Safety estimated that diagnostic errors alone may contribute to approximately 371,000 deaths and 424,000 permanent disabilities annually. Other studies have suggested that preventable medical errors could rank among the leading causes of death in the United States, although the exact number of deaths remains debated within the medical community. These incidents may include diagnostic errors, surgical mistakes, medication errors, and hospital-acquired infections.
Medical errors can occur in hospitals, emergency rooms, surgical centers, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Patients place enormous trust in healthcare providers, and when that trust is broken by preventable mistakes, the consequences can be life-altering.
Medical malpractice claims often involve complex medical records, serious injuries, and deeply personal circumstances. At Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP, our medical malpractice lawyers provide compassionate representation backed by more than 100 years of combined experience handling complex medical injury matters.
Medical Malpractice in the United States
Despite ongoing healthcare and patient safety initiatives, preventable medical errors remain a significant concern across the United States. Research has found that:
These statistics highlight the serious consequences of preventable medical mistakes and the importance of patient safety, accurate diagnoses, and proper standards of care throughout the healthcare system.
While not every adverse medical outcome constitutes malpractice, preventable errors that deviate from accepted standards of care can have devastating, life-changing consequences for patients and their families.
Informed Consent and Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
Before certain procedures, such as surgery or chemotherapy, Pennsylvania law requires doctors to explain significant risks, alternatives, and potential complications so patients can make informed decisions about their care. When a medical provider fails to obtain proper informed consent or improperly delegates that responsibility to other medical staff, and you suffer harm as a result, it may become part of a medical malpractice claim.
Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
When healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care, the consequences can be devastating. Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP handles a range of medical malpractice claims, including but not limited to:
Improper administration or monitoring can result in serious complications, including brain damage or death. We investigate anesthesia records, monitoring procedures, and provider decisions.
Negligent actions during childbirth resulting in harm to the mother or baby, including brain injuries, fractures, or nerve damage. We analyze fetal monitoring, delivery decisions, and emergency response actions.
Failure to recognize serious medical conditions or delayed diagnoses can lead to worsening conditions and missed treatment opportunities. We review testing timelines, physician evaluations, and diagnostic records.
Poor sanitation, communication failures, and inadequate patient monitoring can place patients at risk. We investigate staffing practices, hospital procedures, and internal records.
Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or prescribing medications despite allergies or conflicting medical history. We evaluate prescribing records, medication administration, and provider communication.
Failed monitoring can lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries and is almost always preventable. We evaluate monitoring records, response times, and emergency interventions.
Wrong-site procedures, anesthesia complications, or retained surgical instruments can significantly harm a patient. We examine operative reports, surgical protocols, and provider actions.
Medical malpractice claims are often more complex than other personal injury cases because a poor medical outcome alone does not automatically establish negligence. Successfully pursuing a medical malpractice claim often requires demonstrating how preventable medical errors directly resulted in patient harm, including through analysis of:
In most medical malpractice cases, Pennsylvania requires a Certificate of Merit validating a claim. This means that a qualified medical professional must support your claims and confirm a reasonable basis to believe medical negligence occurred.
Because these cases frequently involve complex medical issues and extensive documentation, early investigation and careful case evaluation are usually critical.
Legal Support for Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice claims often involve complex medical records, expert analysis, and healthcare providers backed by extensive legal and insurance resources. For patients and families already coping with injuries from medical errors, navigating the legal process alone often becomes overwhelming quickly.
At Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP, our medical malpractice lawyers provide thoughtful guidance and careful case evaluation for individuals and families affected by medical negligence. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we work to identify preventable failures in patient care, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you deserve for the harm you have endured.
If you or a loved one has been injured by medical negligence, our medical malpractice lawyers at Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP can help you pursue accountability and compensation. Call 215-599-1400, 215-569-9100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Medical Malpractice Claims in Pennsylvania
