If you or a loved one suffered harm because of a medical mistake, you’re probably asking one question: Was this preventable? When doctors, nurses, hospitals, or healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, the results can be devastating. If this happened in or around Frederick, Maryland, speaking with a medical malpractice attorney may be one of the most important steps you take.

At Metzger Wickersham (MWKE), we represent individuals and families who have been injured by medical negligence in Frederick, Maryland and throughout Western Maryland. Below is a complete guide to understanding medical malpractice claims in Frederick, how cases work, and what to do next.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Short Answer: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes injury to a patient.

To prove medical malpractice in Maryland, four elements must exist:

A doctor-patient relationship
A breach of the standard of care
A direct connection between the breach and injury
Damages (medical bills, lost income, pain, etc.)

Not every bad outcome is malpractice. But when preventable mistakes cause serious harm, you may have a claim.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Frederick

Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Frederick County treat thousands of patients every year. While most providers act responsibly, errors still happen.

Common malpractice claims include:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Surgical errors
Anesthesia mistakes
Birth injuries
Medication errors
Emergency room negligence
Failure to monitor a patient
Hospital-acquired infections

Cases may involve facilities such as Frederick Health Hospital or other regional providers serving Frederick County.

Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis

Short Answer: If a doctor fails to diagnose a condition that a competent provider would have identified, it may be malpractice.

Examples include:

Cancer misdiagnosis
Stroke misdiagnosis
Heart attack misdiagnosis
Sepsis delay

Delayed treatment can mean the difference between recovery and permanent harm.

Surgical Errors

Surgical malpractice may include:

Operating on the wrong body part
Leaving surgical tools inside a patient
Performing unnecessary surgery
Causing avoidable nerve damage

Even procedures performed near Downtown Frederick or close to the Frederick County Courthouse area must follow strict safety standards.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can result in lifelong challenges.

Examples:

Cerebral palsy
Erb’s palsy
Brain injuries from oxygen deprivation
Failure to perform timely C-section

Parents in Frederick deserve answers when something goes wrong during labor or delivery.

Medication Errors

Medication malpractice may involve:

Prescribing the wrong drug
Incorrect dosage
Failure to check allergies
Pharmacy dispensing mistakes

These errors can occur in hospitals, urgent care centers, or pharmacies across Frederick County.

What Compensation Is Available?

Short Answer: Victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Compensation may include:

Past and future medical bills
Rehabilitation costs
Lost income
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Long-term care costs

Maryland law may limit certain non-economic damages, which makes proper legal evaluation essential.

How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Maryland?

Short Answer: Generally, Maryland has a 3-year statute of limitations from the date the injury was discovered, or 5 years from when it occurred — whichever comes first.

Because malpractice cases often involve delayed discovery, acting quickly is critical.

The Maryland Medical Malpractice Process

Maryland has specific procedural requirements.

Before filing a lawsuit:

A claim must typically be filed with the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office (HCADRO).
A qualified medical expert must certify that negligence occurred.

This makes medical malpractice cases more complex than standard injury claims.

Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Different

Unlike car accidents, medical malpractice claims require:

Expert medical testimony
Review of detailed medical records
Compliance with strict procedural rules
Significant investigation

Hospitals and insurance carriers defend these cases aggressively.

Why Local Experience in Frederick Matters

Working with a medical malpractice attorney familiar with Frederick County is valuable because:

Local courts have procedural nuances
Judges may require strict compliance with filing rules
Understanding local healthcare systems helps build stronger cases

MWKE serves clients in Frederick and across Western Maryland with a focus on serious injury litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for medical malpractice in Frederick?

Yes. Maryland’s malpractice process requires expert certification and formal filings that are difficult to navigate alone.

How much is a medical malpractice case worth?

Case value depends on injury severity, long-term impact, medical costs, and lost income.

Can I sue a hospital in Frederick?

Yes, if hospital staff or systemic negligence caused your injury.

What if the doctor says complications are “normal”?

An independent expert review can determine whether the outcome was preventable.

How long do medical malpractice cases take?

Many cases take months to several years, depending on complexity.

What To Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence

Short Action Steps:

Request copies of your medical records.
Write down everything you remember.
Seek a second medical opinion.
Avoid signing hospital settlement documents.
Contact a medical malpractice attorney promptly.

The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger your case.

How MWKE Can Help

Metzger Wickersham (MWKE) evaluates:

Whether the standard of care was breached
Whether the injury was preventable
Whether expert certification supports a claim
What compensation may be available

We work with medical experts to analyze records thoroughly and pursue accountability when negligence is proven.

Serving Frederick & Surrounding Communities

Our firm serves clients in:

Frederick
Urbana
Walkersville
Middletown
Brunswick
Throughout Frederick County

We understand the local landscape, from Downtown Frederick near Carroll Creek Park to medical facilities throughout the region.

Call MWKE Now – You could qualify for Compensation

Medical malpractice cases are emotionally and legally complex. When trusted healthcare providers make preventable mistakes, the impact can last a lifetime.

If you believe you or a loved one was harmed due to medical negligence in Frederick, Maryland, speaking with a qualified medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your options.

Metzger Wickersham (MWKE) offers consultations to review potential cases and determine whether malpractice may have occurred. Acting quickly protects your rights and ensures critical evidence is preserved.

If you are searching for a medical malpractice attorney in Frederick, Maryland, reach out today to learn how we may be able to help.

Frederick Personal Injury Lawyers at MWKE: Free Case Review

Updated 2026 Medical Malpractice Attorney Frederick MD

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