When you or a loved one has been hurt under the care of a medical professional, you can feel betrayed and helpless. That feeling is compounded when you then suffer financial problems. If your injury is the result of the improper care of a medical professional, you may have a case of medical malpractice. Zafran Law Group’s Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys bring compassion and tenacity to every case — and we offer a free, confidential consultation so you can understand your rights with no obligation.
What Is Considered Medical Malpractice?
Just because you were injured under the care of a doctor or other medical provider does not mean you have a case of medical malpractice. Ensuring that healthcare providers meet the required standards is critical to maintaining patient safety and trust. Pennsylvania has established comprehensive regulations to govern the licensing and conduct of medical professionals. Pennsylvania also requires that medical malpractice claims be supported by a Certificate of Merit — a document signed by a qualified medical expert confirming that the care provided deviated from accepted standards. Our attorneys work with leading medical experts across specialties to build this foundation for your case.
The two components that must be proven to satisfy the legal definition of medical malpractice:
How Much Is a Medical Malpractice Case Worth in Pennsylvania?
The value of a medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the cost of ongoing medical care, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. While Pennsylvania does not cap compensatory damages in most malpractice cases, outcomes vary significantly based on the facts. Zafran Law Group will provide a thorough case evaluation to give you a realistic picture of what your claim may be worth.
Why Choose Zafran Law Group?
Jared S. Zafran has been recognized as a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine and honored by The Council of the City of Philadelphia. Our firm handles all medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis — no upfront cost, no fee unless we win. We serve clients throughout Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and all of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Questions To Ask A Medical Malpractice Attorney
At Zafran Law Group, a medical malpractice attorney in Philadelphia, PA will provide a free consultation to answer all of your questions about your injury and whether your case can be successful. Zafran Law Group will help you answer questions like:
- Does my case satisfy both requirements of medical malpractice?
- Is my case significant enough to warrant an expensive and time-consuming lawsuit?
- What are my legal options?
It can be very confusing when you suffer an injury at the hands of a medical professional. Medical malpractice lawyers in PA at Zafran Law Group are here to help with experience and a proven track record.
Why Do I Need A Medical Malpractice Attorney?
Insurance companies have money, resources, and experience that they will use to defend themselves against cases of medical malpractice. You need a knowledgeable Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney to help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
If someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, call Zafran Law Group’s roster of Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at 215-587-0038 to discuss your legal rights.
FAQs For Medical Malpractice
Our Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including: birth injury and cerebral palsy claims, cancer misdiagnosis, surgical malpractice, emergency room errors, pharmacy malpractice, and nursing home negligence. If you believe you or a loved one was harmed by any healthcare provider in Pennsylvania, contact us for a free case review.
Yes, there is a medical malpractice statute of limitations in PA. According to Pennsylvania law, victims typically have two years from the date of the injury or from when the injury was reasonably discovered to file a medical malpractice claim. This “discovery rule” is particularly important in cases where harm — such as a misdiagnosis or a surgical error — was not immediately apparent. For injuries to minors, the two-year clock generally does not begin until the child turns 18.
Zafran Law Group emphasizes the importance of acting quickly. Delays in pursuing legal action can result in a loss of your right to compensation. Their experienced attorneys can help determine whether your case still falls within the allowable time frame and guide you through the next steps.
Determining if you have a case of medical malpractice is more difficult than it may seem. Evidence must prove not only injury but also that the injury was a direct result of the healthcare provider’s actions and that those actions were not proper or reasonable under the circumstances. Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Zafran Law Group will provide a free evaluation of your case to see if it meets the legal criteria for medical malpractice.
- The medical professional
-
-
- Liability primarily falls on the healthcare provider—such as a doctor, nurse, or therapist—who breaches the accepted standard of care during diagnosis, treatment, or aftercare.
-
- Institutions and facilities
-
-
- Hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare establishments can also be held responsible if their policies, staffing levels, or procedures contribute to the malpractice. This includes systemic issues, not just individual negligence.
-
- Other care providers
-
- Professionals such as anesthesiologists, lab technicians, or pharmacists may be liable if their actions or inactions cause patient harm.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to patient harm. Understanding the various forms it can take is essential for recognizing potential cases. Below are some common examples of medical malpractice:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to diagnose a condition or diagnosing it incorrectly, leads to incorrect or delayed treatment.
- Surgical Errors: Performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong body part, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
- Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, or failing to consider potential drug interactions.
- Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia, or failing to monitor the patient properly during surgery.
- Birth Injuries: Causing injury to the mother or child during childbirth due to negligence or improper procedures.
- Failure to Treat: Not providing necessary treatment after diagnosing a condition, or not following up with the patient.
- Hospital Negligence: Inadequate staffing, poor sanitation, or failure to follow proper protocols, leading to patient harm.
- Lack of Informed Consent: Performing a procedure or treatment without fully informing the patient of the risks involved.
- Nursing Home Neglect: Failing to provide adequate care in a nursing home, leading to harm or injury.
- Improper Use of Medical Devices: Incorrectly using or failing to maintain medical equipment, resulting in patient harm.
- Misread lab results, imaging errors (missed fractures, missed tumors on CT/MRI)
- Failure to refer a patient to a specialist when clinically warranted