Medical Malpractice Attorney in West Chester Pennsylvania

Medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania are typically tried and not settled. If you have been injured because of mistakes made by a doctor, hospital, or other medical provider, you need a lawyer who is a fighter and take your case to trial. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, based in West Chester PA in Chester County, we are known for taking on medical malpractice cases and achieving successful results. Our lawyers handle all types of medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania, including:

• Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose cancer, stroke, and other illnesses
• Mistakes that result in delayed treatment of cancer and other diseases
• Surgical injuries caused by a mistake or lack of patient monitoring
• Failure to properly monitor patients following surgery

Different Kinds of Medical Malpractice Claims in Pennsylvania

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects many people every year. When medical professionals do not provide the standard of care that is expected, it can result in serious injury, illness, and even death. This is why it is so important to understand the different kinds of medical malpractice claims that can be brought in Pennsylvania. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what medical malpractice is, the different kinds of claims that can be brought, and how you can protect your legal rights if you have been the victim of medical malpractice.

1. Types of Medical Malpractice Claims

There are many different types of medical malpractice claims that can be brought in Pennsylvania. Some of the most common types include misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, surgical errors, prescription medication errors, and birth injuries. Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose can occur when a medical professional fails to accurately diagnose a patient’s condition, leading to the patient’s condition worsening or becoming more complex. Surgical errors can occur when a surgeon makes a mistake during a procedure, leading to serious injury or even death. Prescription medication errors can involve incorrect dosing, administering the wrong medication, or prescribing medication that is contraindicated for a patient’s condition. Birth injuries can occur during delivery, leading to serious injury for both the mother and baby.

2. Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim

In order to bring a successful medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania, several elements must be present. First, it must be established that the medical professional in question had a duty of care to the patient. This means that they had a professional obligation to provide the patient with a certain standard of care. Second, it must be established that the medical professional breached this duty of care. This means that they did not provide the standard of care that was expected, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. Third, it must be established that the breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury or harm. This means that the patient would not have suffered harm if the medical professional had provided the appropriate standard of care. Finally, it must be established that the patient suffered damages as a result of the medical professional’s breach of duty. This means that the patient incurred medical expenses, lost income, or suffered pain and suffering.

3. Statute of Limitations

It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania. This means that there is a limited amount of time in which a claim can be brought. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is two years from the date of injury, or two years from the date that the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the patient is a minor or when the medical professional fraudulently concealed the injury.

4. Protecting Your Legal Rights

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to take steps to protect your legal rights. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. This will help to establish a record of your injuries and the medical treatment that you have received. You should also seek the advice of an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of bringing a claim. Finally, you should be cautious about giving any statements to insurance companies or medical providers. These statements can be used against you in court, so it is best to speak with an attorney before giving any statements.

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on the lives of those who are affected. It is important to understand the different kinds of medical malpractice claims that can be brought in Pennsylvania, as well as the elements that must be present to bring a successful claim. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to take steps to protect your legal rights. By seeking medical attention, speaking with an experienced attorney, and being cautious about giving statements, you can help to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

Why Hiring Lee Ciccarelli for Medical Malpractice Claims is the Right Choice

Medical malpractice can lead to devastating consequences for patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, you need an attorney who understands the nuances of this complex area of law. The stakes are high, and you don’t want to leave your compensation to chance. That’s where Lee Ciccarelli and his law firm come in. With a wealth of experience handling medical malpractice claims, Lee Ciccarelli and his team can provide the expert representation you need when you need it most. In this blog post, we explore the reasons why hiring Lee Ciccarelli and his firm is a no-brainer when it comes to medical malpractice claims.

1. Specialization in Medical Malpractice Law

Medical malpractice claims require specialized knowledge and experience that only a lawyer with a background in medical malpractice law can provide. Lee Ciccarelli and his firm have extensive experience in this area, and they have honed their skills over the years to provide clients with top-notch representation. They have a deep understanding of the medical industry and the legal considerations that come with it, and they know how to navigate the complex regulations related to medical malpractice claims.

2. Compassionate Advocacy

Medical malpractice can have a severe emotional toll on victims and their families. In addition to the physical damages, the emotional trauma can be long-lasting without proper care. Lee Ciccarelli and his team are dedicated to providing compassionate advocacy throughout the entire process. They strive to take the burden off their clients’ shoulders, providing them with the support and guidance needed to navigate this challenging situation.

3. Successful Track Record

One of the benefits of hiring an experienced medical malpractice attorney is the potential for a successful outcome. Lee Ciccarelli has a proven track record of success when it comes to medical malpractice claims. He has secured millions of dollars in compensation for his clients, getting them the justice they deserve. His firm is committed to working tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation for their clients, ensuring that they receive the financial support they need to move forward after their medical malpractice incident.

4. Personalized Attention

Lee Ciccarelli and his team believe that every client should receive personalized attention and care. They take the time to understand the specific needs of their clients and work to create a customized strategy for each case. Their personalized approach has helped them develop strong relationships with their clients, ensuring that they stay updated throughout the entire process.

5. No Fees Unless You Win

The financial burden of a medical malpractice claim can deter many people from seeking justice. However, Lee Ciccarelli’s firm has a policy of no fees unless you win. This means that clients can pursue compensation without worrying about upfront costs. This philosophy can give clients the peace of mind they need to focus on their recovery while knowing that they have expert representation at their side.

Hiring Lee Ciccarelli and his firm is a no-brainer when it comes to medical malpractice claims. With their expertise, compassion, successful track record, personalized attention, and no fees unless you win policy, you can trust that you are in good hands. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, contact Lee Ciccarelli’s law firm today to get the expert representation you deserve.

If you have suffered a serious injury due to a surgical mistake, mis-diagnosis or other medical error, the care provider and their insurance company will fight you long and hard over the value of your claim. Success in a medical malpractice case comes from hiring attorneys who understand every medical and legal aspect of your case. Our lawyers retain the right medical experts prior to filing a medical malpractice lawsuit so we can effectively pursue your case.

Why It’s So Challenging to Pursue a Medical Practice Claim in Pennsylvania

Medical malpractices occur when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, leading to injury, disability, or death of a patient. Unfortunately, these types of cases are never easy to pursue, and it’s no different in Pennsylvania. Despite the state’s tort laws and regulations, it can be difficult to hold medical professionals liable for the harm they cause. Understanding why this is so can be frustrating, but it’s essential to grasp some of the challenges claimants face.

1. Medical Malpractice Caps

Pennsylvania has enacted caps on non-economic and punitive damages in medical malpractice cases. The current cap for non-economic damages is $500,000, which means that the claimant can receive compensation for the pain and suffering they endured, but only up to that amount. This cap could be even lower in certain regions if the area has less than 250,000 people. The issue with caps is that they restrict the amount of compensation a patient can receive even when their injuries are severe. Moreover, it can sometimes lead to doctors committing more neglectful acts since they know that they will most likely not face the full extent of the consequences.

2. High Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania has one of the strictest statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in the country. Patients are required to submit a claim within two years of the occurrence of their injury. This strict time limit can harm some patients who are not aware that they have been injured until several years after they received the medical treatment. If a patient fails to submit a claim within the two years, they are barred from commencing legal proceedings and obtaining compensation for their injuries.

3. Burden of Proof

Like other states, Pennsylvania has a high burden of proof in medical malpractice cases. A claimant must prove that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standards of care that any ordinary Indiana practitioner would adhere to and that the deviation caused the injury or harm. This can be an incredibly high bar to clear, and claimants often need expert testimony to make their case. The costs associated with obtaining expert witnesses can be prohibitive, making it difficult for many patients to proceed with their malpractice cases.

4. Jury Bias

Jury bias is a significant factor in medical malpractice cases. In some cases, jurors view doctors and other healthcare professionals as superheroes who can do no wrong. Some may feel that patients are opportunistic and are looking to take advantage of the legal system. This can be detrimental to claimants since it can be challenging to convince a jury that the doctor or healthcare provider was wrong. In addition, the media sometimes portrays doctors as victimized, adding to the bias.

5. Insurance Factors

Almost all medical professionals in Pennsylvania have malpractice insurance, which covers claims against them and eases the burden on them if and when a claim is filed. However, sometimes having insurance can make it more difficult for claimants. Insurance companies employ experienced defense attorneys who specialize in medical malpractice cases. These attorneys may attempt to discredit the claimant’s case and file appeals. Additionally, insurance companies can be less willing to settle out of court, prolonging the case and adding to the costs.

Pursuing medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania is challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s vital to seek professional legal advice as soon as possible if you think you may have a case. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can navigate the process for you and make sure that your rights as a patient are protected. Understanding the challenges that claimants face in Pennsylvania is the first step in overcoming them and getting the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Medical Malpractice Claims and Bad Results

Medical professionals, including doctors and hospitals, have a responsibility to provide patients with the highest standard of care. However, when a medical professional fails to meet a certain level of competence or care, it can lead to negative outcomes for patients – including death, injury, and illness. In some cases, victims of medical malpractice may be able to pursue legal action to recover damages. But can a medical malpractice claim be brought against a doctor or hospital if there is a bad outcome? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at medical malpractice claims and explore the relationship between bad results and medical negligence.

First, let’s define medical malpractice. In essence, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional violates the standard of care that is typically expected of their profession, and their actions or lack of action result in harm or injury to the patient. This may include negligence, misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, surgical errors, medication errors, and more. However, it’s important to note that a bad result does not always mean that there was medical malpractice involved. For instance, even if a patient dies during surgery, it does not necessarily indicate that malpractice occurred. In order to prove medical malpractice, the plaintiff must show that the medical professional’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care, and that this deviation directly resulted in harm to the patient.

Furthermore, it is possible to pursue a medical malpractice claim even if the outcome was not ideal, but the legal system recognizes that not all negative outcomes are caused by medical negligence. Medical professionals cannot guarantee a positive outcome, and some medical procedures inherently carry risks. In other words, a bad result from a medical procedure may not always be the fault of the medical professional. However, if the patient’s outcome was the direct result of a medical professional’s actions or inaction, which did not comply with the standard of care, a medical malpractice claim may be appropriate.

It’s also worth noting that a medical malpractice claim requires expert testimony from a medical expert in the same field as the defendant. The expert will review the case and then testify that the medical professional’s actions failed to meet the standard of care. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer will also review medical records, conduct investigations, and may even bring in additional experts to bolster their case. The standard of care is not determined by the patient or their family members, but by the medical community. The medical expert witness will testify as to what a typical medical professional would have done in similar circumstances.

In conclusion, while a bad result may not always be evidence of medical malpractice, it is possible for victims of medical negligence to pursue legal action even if the outcome was negative. The key is to show that the medical professional’s actions or inaction were below the standard of care and that this deviation directly led to harm or injury. It may be helpful to consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer if you suspect that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence. Remember, medical professionals have a duty to their patients, and patients have a right to receive appropriate medical care. By understanding what constitutes medical malpractice and how to pursue legal action, patients and their families can protect their rights and ensure that their voices are heard.

Reasonable Degree of Medical Certainty in Medical Malpractice Claims in Pennsylvania

When receiving medical care or treatment, you expect your healthcare provider to act competently and deliver the appropriate level of care. Unfortunately, medical malpractice, or negligence by healthcare professionals, is not uncommon. In such cases, patients or their families may file a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for damages caused by the negligent act. However, such claims require proof of negligence and causation, and this is where the concept of reasonable degree of medical certainty comes into play. This blog aims to discuss what reasonable degree of medical certainty means and how it applies to pursuing medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania.

1. What is reasonable degree of medical certainty?

In the context of medical malpractice claims, reasonable degree of medical certainty refers to the level of certainty required to establish that the healthcare provider violated the standard of care and caused the patient’s injury or harm. It means that the medical expert testifying in the case must be able to affirm that it is more likely than not that the healthcare provider’s action or inaction was the cause of the patient’s injuries or damages.

2. How is reasonable degree of medical certainty established?

To establish reasonable degree of medical certainty, the plaintiff must present evidence from a qualified medical expert who can testify that the care provided to the patient fell below the prevailing standard of care and that this substandard care caused the injury or harm. The expert’s testimony must be based on medical knowledge, experience, and data, and it should be relevant to the case at hand.

3. How does reasonable degree of medical certainty apply to medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to present expert testimony to prove the healthcare provider’s negligence and causation. The testimony must show that the healthcare provider’s actions or inaction departed from the standard of care and that such departure caused the patient’s damages or injuries. The expert’s opinion must be given with a reasonable degree of medical certainty, meaning that there must be a greater than 50% probability that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused the patient’s injury or damages.

4. Why is reasonable degree of medical certainty crucial to medical malpractice claims?

Reasonable degree of medical certainty is crucial to medical malpractice claims because it serves as the standard of evidence required to prove causation and negligence by the healthcare provider. Without expert testimony that meets this standard, it is difficult to establish the necessary link between the medical provider’s negligence and the patient’s injury or harm, making it challenging for the plaintiff to win the case. Therefore, it is essential to work with a qualified medical malpractice attorney who can help you gather and present evidence that meets the reasonable degree of medical certainty standard.

Having a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Pennsylvania Is Critical to Your Outcome 

With so many extensive risks faced in medical malpractice, including numerous instances in which attorneys, insurance companies, and medical experts are working against you, having an experienced, trusted attorney is critical. Our medical malpractice expertise allows us to help you through some of the most challenging legal obstacles you could face, many of which we have mentioned here. Consider some of the most important reasons to utilize our legal services, including minimizing the risk of saying something to hurt your case, an understanding of complex medical issues, knowing how to prove your losses, and standing behind you every step of the way.

We Minimize the Risk That You Will Say Something That Hurts Your Case

By working as your representative, we stand between you and the insurance companies and attorneys who are looking to disprove your case. They want to reduce what they pay in any way possible. Most often, they do not have to speak to you to get the information they need. With our protections, we can avoid any situation where you may say something due to their encouragement that puts your case at risk.

We Understand Complex Medical Cases and Best Practices

Often, in medical malpractice, the goal is to prove that the doctor or hospital failed to provide care in the way that other doctors would have done. To prove this, you must have intimate knowledge of how hospital operations and doctor best practices work. Typically, our legal team is one step ahead. We already know what they “should” be doing, and we can fight to minimize any risk that they try to hide valuable data that can prove your case.

We Know How to Prove Your Losses

Another secondary factor that complicates many medical malpractice cases is this. You must be able to perceive how this mistake will impact your future. This goes far beyond financial losses from medical procedures. Consider how this mistake could impact your ability to live pain-free, build an inheritance for your family, provide for your future goals, and even earn a living. Our goal is to document with clarity why you deserve compensation at the highest level because of this type of long-term impact.

We Stand Behind You Every Step of the Way

The complexity of medical malpractice cases can be challenging from an emotional toll. For many people, medical mistakes cost them dearly, including the lost ability to live their lives, to be happy, to maintain relationships, and to pursue financial freedom. It is hard for anyone to quantify that loss. However, our attorneys have experience remaining by our clients’ side. That includes:

• Protecting their privacy
• Ensuring they are not defamed in public
• Minimizing any risk to their mental health from abusive tactics by insurance companies
• Ensuring they continue to get the highest level of medical care they desire
• Supporting their efforts in getting relief through advancing technology

Our Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer is committed to providing you with exceptional legal attention and support. With a highly experienced attorney like this at your side, you can have some peace of mind knowing we will work hard to ensure you have every opportunity for the best possible outcome. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, we work hard to fight for the rights of all our clients injured from medical malpractice. We will not rest until your case is passionately presented so your story is told correctly.

The Negative Impact of Medical Malpractice on Injured Patients

Patients injured because of the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional can experience a lot of negative effects, all of which can lead to a diminished quality of life. For this reason alone, it is imperative that you speak with a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer from the Ciccarelli Law Offices about your case. We will fight for your rights through every step of the process so you are not left to fend for yourself or find new ways to pay the bills after suffering an injury.

Serious Financial Hardships

Many victims of medical malpractice experience serious financial hardships in the days, months, and years following their injury. The inability to return to work is a major cause of those hardships. If the injured patient cannot perform the work they once did, or have suffered paralysis due to the negligence, they will likely have trouble finding employment that can pay their bills. A medical malpractice lawsuit can help provide the compensation needed to not only pay for medical treatment and bills, but also replace the income you would have been making if you had never suffered the injury in the first place.

Emotional and Physical Damages

Two of the biggest impacts medical malpractice has on an injured patient’s life are emotional and physical damages. The toll an injury can take on the body physically will vary depending on the type of injury and how the individual patient reacts. However, one might expect to deal with the following setbacks:

• The inability to walk, talk, or feed themselves
• Having to relearn how to walk, talk, or handle everyday activities
• Learning how to live with the loss of a limb or live with a prosthetic
• Needing to learn how to navigate their home or office in a wheelchair
• Living without vision or hearing

If you suffered permanent disability because of a medical malpractice event, our team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Compensation from a lawsuit can help renovate your home to be handicap accessible, update your vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair, and much more.

Patients injured because of medical malpractice might also suffer emotional damages such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other issues. An injury caused by a medical professional, someone you inherently trust, can cause you a lot of undue stress and worry. Talk to a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices today about your case and find out how we have helped people just like you acquire compensation for injuries caused by medical malpractice.

Contact A Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

In summary, reasonable degree of medical certainty is the level of certainty required to establish that the healthcare provider was negligent and caused the patient’s injury or harm in medical malpractice claims. Plaintiffs in Pennsylvania must present expert testimony that meets this standard to prove their case. Proving medical malpractice claims can be complex, and it is essential to work with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the best possible outcome. If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice.