Here's an Overview:
Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Your Trusted Advocates
At Folkman Law, we understand the immense stress and frustration of experiencing medical malpractice. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys in Philadelphia is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice law and achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. We offer personalized legal services tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the support and representation required to address your situation effectively.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Claim?
To determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim, it’s essential to understand the key elements that constitute such a claim. A medical malpractice claim typically involves the following three components:
- Negligence: You must show that a healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, hospital, etc.) was negligent in their care. This means they did not provide the level of care that a reasonably skilled healthcare provider would have given under similar circumstances.
- Damages: You need to demonstrate that you suffered damages due to the medical negligence. This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses, and more. Expert witness testimony is often required to establish a causal connection between the healthcare provider’s actions and your injury.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the negligence and the damages you suffered. This connection is crucial in proving that the healthcare provider’s actions were the cause of your injury.
Common Forms of Medical Malpractice in Philadelphia
Our knowledgeable attorneys at Folkman Law regularly assist clients with various types of medical malpractice claims, including but not limited to:
- Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia leading to serious complications.
- Birth Injuries: Injuries to the infant or mother during childbirth, including cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and shoulder dystocia.
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgery, such as wrong-site surgery or leaving foreign objects in the body.
- Hospital Negligence: Hospital administration or staff failures that lead to patient harm.
- Doctor Negligence: Mistakes or omissions by doctors that result in injury.
- Nurse Negligence: Errors in nursing care that cause patient harm.
- Emergency Room Negligence: Mistakes made in the emergency room setting that lead to adverse outcomes.
- Failure to Diagnose: Inability to identify a medical condition on time.
- Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Performing a procedure without the patient’s informed consent.
- Treatment Mistakes: Errors in medical treatment that cause harm.
- Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or harmful drug interactions.
- Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly diagnosing a condition, leading to improper treatment.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to diagnose a condition promptly, resulting in worsened health outcomes.
- Wrongful Death: Fatal outcomes resulting from medical negligence.
Who Is Liable for Medical Malpractice?
Various parties can be held liable for medical malpractice, including but not limited to:
- Doctors
- Surgeons
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Hospitals and their staff
- Physical therapists
- Midwives
- Dentists
- Laboratory technicians
- Medical equipment designers and manufacturers
Types of Damages in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
When you file a medical malpractice claim, you may be eligible for two main types of compensatory damages:
- Economic Damages: These are direct financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: These losses do not have a specific dollar amount and include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
In rare and severe cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the defendant for reckless or malicious behavior.
Understanding Medical Malpractice Laws in Pennsylvania
Medical malpractice laws in Pennsylvania can be complex, involving specific procedural rules and deadlines. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
- Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, if the injury was not immediately discoverable, you may have two years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered the injury.
- Affidavit of Merit: Within 60 days of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must provide an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical expert. This affidavit must state that there is a reasonable probability that the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care.
Our Record of Success in Medical Malpractice Claims
At Folkman Law, we have a proven track record of successfully obtaining settlements and verdicts for our clients in medical malpractice cases. Here are a few examples of our recent achievements (results may vary based on individual circumstances):
- $5,200,000 verdict against an obstetrician/gynecologist for failure to monitor a patient, deviation from accepted practices, and injury during a procedure.
- $3,300,000 award involving a failure to timely diagnose and treat a neurological condition.
- $825,000 settlement on behalf of the estate of a minor in an emergency room medical negligence case involving a failure to timely diagnose and treat a potentially deadly medical condition.
How Can a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help?
Medical malpractice cases are inherently complex and challenging to navigate. Having a capable attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigation: Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, including reviewing medical records, consulting with medical experts, and interviewing witnesses.
- Damage Evaluation: We can help evaluate the damages you have suffered, including economic and non-economic damages.
- Negotiation: If applicable, we will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to obtain a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys can represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing your case to a judge and/or jury.
- Communication: We take client communication seriously and will keep you updated throughout your case. You will never be left in the dark.
Testimonials from Our Clients
Our reputation for helping victims of medical malpractice in Philadelphia speaks for itself. Here are testimonials from some of our previous clients:
- My experience with Folkman Law was positive in all areas. Ben Folkman represented me working in my best interest. Communication was open with joint discussions which produced a sound working relationship. The support staff kept me in the loop updating me on a regular basis. The firm represented me in a professional manner and worked as a team. I felt involved and trusted the legal advice which resulted in a positive conclusion to my case. I would recommend Folkman Law and will use their firm again.- J.R.
- Sarah Slachetka, Esq. helped us through what was a traumatic experience for my husband and our family when he was severely hurt in an accident. She was on point, pleasant, competent, always quickly responsive, and empathetic. The staff was great, especially Evy Rivera. We are very grateful for their services. I would highly recommend them for representation. – A.S.
- Attorney Lauren Law is professional and knowledgeable. Any questions or concerns I had in reference to my case; she was very responsive to my inquiries. She took the time to explain every step of the process and sought the best outcome for my legal matter. Each employee I spoke to at the law firm was professional and pleasant to work with. Lauren, thank you for your representation of me in my legal matter. Great law firm. – K.G.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Philadelphia, don’t hesitate to contact us. Contact Folkman Law today at 215-561-4848 to schedule a consultation with one of our accomplished medical malpractice attorneys. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and secure the justice you deserve.
At Folkman Law, our commitment to our clients and the community is unwavering. We are proud to serve the people of Philadelphia, providing the legal knowledge and personalized service they need to overcome their challenges. Your legal solutions start here—choose Folkman Law, where excellence meets commitment.
Discover our comprehensive list of services, including personal injury, employment law, business law, and legal or medical malpractice. Let us be your dedicated legal advocates, committed to achieving success for you and your family.
