Physician Assistant Malpractice Lawyer
Physician Assistant Negligence and Your Rights in Pennsylvania
At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals who have suffered due to medical negligence. If you’ve been injured as the result of malpractice or a deviation from the standard of care by a physician assistant, you might be entitled to pursue compensation. Understanding the role, responsibilities, and potential liabilities of physician assistants is crucial when determining whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim.
What is a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician to provide patient care. They are trained to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform certain medical procedures. While PAs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, they must adhere to a strict duty of care to ensure patient safety.
Education and Licensing Requirements for Physician Assistants
To become a licensed PA, individuals must complete rigorous education and training, including:
- A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.
- Admission and completion of a master’s degree program in Physician Assistant Studies, which often includes both classroom education and clinical rotations.
- National certification by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- State licensing to legally practice in Pennsylvania, with continued education and recertification requirements.
This comprehensive preparation ensures PAs are equipped to provide competent medical care. However, when this standard of care is compromised, it can result in harm to patients.
Duty of Care for Physician Assistants
Physician assistants, like all healthcare providers, have a legal and ethical responsibility to adhere to the standard of care—the level and quality of care that a reasonably skilled and competent PA would provide under similar circumstances. When a PA fails to meet this standard, it may constitute negligence.
While a PA operates under the supervision of a licensed physician, they are still accountable for their independent actions, especially when engaging directly with patients.
Common Forms of Negligence by Physician Assistants
Medical negligence by physician assistants can take various forms, including but not limited to:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis leading to improper treatment or worsening of the condition.
- Medication errors, such as prescribing the wrong medication or dosage.
- Failure to adequately monitor a patient’s condition during or after treatment.
- Performing procedures they are not qualified to do, resulting in complications or injury.
- Poor communication with supervising physicians, leading to critical mistakes in care.
These forms of negligence can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm to patients. If you believe a PA’s actions have caused you or a loved one harm, you may have the right to hold them accountable.
Your Rights After Physician Assistant Malpractice
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a PA, Pennsylvania law allows you to seek compensation for your losses. This can include both economic and non-economic damages. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we help victims of malpractice pursue justice in the form of:
- Pain and Suffering — Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the malpractice.
- Medical Expenses — Coverage for past, current, and future medical bills related to the injury.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity — Recovery for missed work or an inability to return to your previous job due to the injury.
Additionally, when a PA’s employer shares responsibility—for instance, through inadequate supervision or negligent hiring practices—they may also be held liable under Pennsylvania law.
Pursue Justice with Ciccarelli Law Offices
When a medical professional you trusted deviates from the standard of care, the impact on your health and well-being can be devastating. Ciccarelli Law Offices is here to help you understand your rights and seek fair compensation for your suffering.
Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in handling medical malpractice cases involving physician assistants and other healthcare providers. We’ll take the time to investigate the details of your case, collaborate with medical experts, and build a strong claim to advocate for your best interests.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to physician assistant negligence, don’t wait—time is critical in pursuing a medical malpractice claim. Call Ciccarelli Law Offices today for a free consultation and to learn about your legal options. Together, we’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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