Pittsburgh’s Medical Malpractice Lawyers

According to a recent study, medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 250,000 Americans dying each year from medical mistakes.  At least one other study places the death rate from medical errors at around 400,000.

A medical or health care provider is anyone who provides medical services or treatment, and can include nurses, doctors, physician assistants, or pharmacists.  In certain cases, hospitals or physician practice groups can be held responsible for the mistakes made by their employees.

Medical mistakes can occur when a health provider improperly performs a task or act, fails to perform a necessary task, fails to recognize or communicate an important finding, or fails to diagnose a health condition or finding of the patient.  There are many different ways that mistakes can occur, but to have a legitimate medical malpractice claim, they must all meet the same requirements-the medical treatment must fall beneath the appropriate standard of care.

When these types of mistakes lead to harm, injury, or death, the patient’s family or the patient may have the right to make a financial recovery for the harm they have suffered. 

Medical malpractice claims are some of the most complicated and difficult legal cases to win. Almost all medical malpractice cases will require expert review, which often can take a long time.  Just like all legal claims, medical malpractice claims are subject to a time limit known as a statute of limitations.  For that reason it is critical that you hire an experienced medical malpractice attorney pittsburgh pa as soon as you can.

TYPES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

The experienced medical malpractice lawyer at Hal Waldman & Associates handle all types of malpractice cases in Pittsburgh and throughout the state of Pennsylvania, including:

No matter what type of medical malpractice you’ve experienced, our attorneys will be right by your side. We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process, answer all of your medical malpractice questions, and fight for your right to fair compensation.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE FAQS

If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice, you are likely worried about medical bills, and have questions about how to prove your case. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about medical malpractice.

WHAT IF I’M UNHAPPY FOLLOWING A SURGERY

Surgeons cannot guarantee the exact results or outcomes of specific surgeries. If you’re unhappy with how your surgery turned out, you are not necessarily entitled to compensation. However, if your unhappiness arises because the surgeon made an error and you were harmed, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Medical malpractice claims are complicated and based on many factors, including the prior medical condition of the patient, the manner and presentation of the patient, and the specific factual circumstances of the medical treatment provided.  Because these cases are often complicated, it is in your best interest to contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a medical malpractice claim and how to move forward.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO SUE ON A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE?

The time frame that governs how long you have to file a lawsuit is called a statute of limitations.  Like most aspects of medical malpractice cases, the statute of limitations can be complicated.

Generally speaking, the statute of limitations is two years.  This means that, in general, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the negligent act or omissions. 

It is important to note that there are a number of notable exceptions to this two year statute of limitations.  These include situations where a person under the age of 18 is injured, cases that involve foreign objects, and some cases that involve death.  There is also a legal doctrine called the “discovery rule” that sometimes allows patients to file lawsuits after more than two years have passed since the wrongdoing.

Although the general rule is that you have two years to sue, there are many exceptions to this general rule.  Because the statute of limitations is a very important part of a malpractice claim, it is also important that you contact an experienced malpractice attorney as soon as possible so that you know the date by when you must file a lawsuit.

 

I THINK I HAVE A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM. WHAT’S NEXT?

If you think you are a victim of medical malpractice, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your medical malpractice claim is subject to time limitations, and if those limitations expire, you will lose your right to receive compensation for your losses.

At Hal Waldman & Associates, our experienced medical malpractice attorney pittsburgh pa will carefully read your medical records and consult with expert witnesses to make sure that you received the appropriate medical you were entitled to when you trusted your health to the medical profession.

We provide our legal services on a contingency-fee basis. That means you will never have to pay us out of your own pocket for our legal services.  Our  legal fees will be paid once you obtain a settlement or jury verdict in your favor.  We also will pay the costs of obtaining your medical records and having them reviewed by an expert when we deem that necessary. Our process is risk-free, so if you think you have a claim call for a free consultation as soon as possible.

WHY YOU NEED A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYER

Many medical malpractice lawsuits are highly contested.  Even in cases that seem obvious, medical providers are reluctant to admit fault, and they hire skilled and experienced attorneys to represent them.  You should make sure that you have a skilled attorney on your side to fight for your rights.

Medical malpractice claims are typically difficult and complicated.  Oftentimes thousands of pages of records need to be reviewed, and it is common to have multiple experts review your records and/or testify on your behalf. 

In almost all medical negligence cases, you must obtain a written report from a properly qualified expert who will state that the treatment you received was substandard and that it caused your harm. Having an attorney on your side will help you obtain the necessary reports in a timely fashion.

Medical malpractice lawyers are familiar with the impact medical malpractice cases can have on your well-being and future. We use that experience and knowledge to help you obtain your rightful compensation.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY

The medical malpractice attorney pittsburgh pa at Hal Waldman & Associates have more than 75 years of combined experience. At our law firm, we know how to properly present successful cases to secure the largest settlements possible for our clients.

Following your initial free consultation, we will obtain your records and consult with the appropriate medical experts to determine the parties responsible for your injuries and damages. If we are unable to obtain a fair settlement for you, we will file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.

We take every step necessary to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve. Trust us to focus on your medical malpractice case, so you can focus on your recovery.

WHAT’S NEXT?

If you believe you have a medical malpractice case, call the attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, your rights, and the most effective course of action. And remember, if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay for our services. Call us today at (412) 850-3172 or schedule your free consultation online.