Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Providing Legal Services in Harrisburg & the Surrounding Areas Since 1888!

We all expect competence when treated by doctors and other health care professionals, yet an alarming number of patients still fall victim to medical negligence. Research shows that hundreds of thousands of preventable medical errors occur in the United States each year , many of which cause patients unnecessary pain and suffering, and sometimes even wrongful death . If you or a loved one has suffered a new or aggravated injury due to negligent medical treatment, you may have a medical malpractice case. At Metzger Wickersham, our skilled Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys are backed by the resources of a large firm and decades of collective experience. We are passionate about helping our clients close this difficult chapter in their lives. Please note: When in the best interest of the client, medical malpractice cases may be referred to other law firms. Contact Metzger Wickersham to find out if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

What Are Examples of Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice may occur when a doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist, or other medical professional fails to treat a patient with competent care. Sometimes doctors use poor judgment, make mistakes during surgery, fail to diagnose illnesses or mistake the symptoms of one illness for another. This can place patients at a great risk for harm. There are many types of medical malpractice, and each case requires careful and thorough investigation. We have seen cases dealing with the following types of medical negligence:

• Surgical mistakes , including use of improperly sterilized equipment, anesthesiology errors , and operation on wrong body part or patient
• Misdiagnosis or diagnosis errors, including failure to properly analyze lab results, failure to monitor changes in a patient’s progression, and misinterpretation of MRIs, x-rays or test results
• Hospital negligence and emergency room errors , including improper administration of medication, improper use of a medical device, misdiagnosis of heart attack, stroke, blood clot or other serious medical condition while under hospital care, and discharge from hospital before it’s safe for the patient to return home
• Birth injuries occurring before, during, or directly after delivery, including failure to administer an emergency C-section, brain damage, facial paralysis, Cerebral palsy, and Erb’s palsy

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Cases When you’re dealing with a medical malpractice situation, time is of the essence. Typically, you have two years to file a lawsuit. However, pinpointing the exact start of this timeframe can be tricky. It often requires a detailed review of the situation’s facts and circumstances. Here are key points to consider:

• Discovery Rule: The clock may start ticking once the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
• Minor Patients: Special rules often apply if the patient is a minor, potentially extending the deadline.
• Complex Cases: Some cases need a comprehensive analysis to determine when the statute begins.

It’s crucial to consult with a legal professional immediately to navigate these nuances effectively.

How Is a Medical Malpractice Case Investigated?

Investigating a potential medical malpractice case is a detailed, multi-step process that demands both legal and medical expertise. Here’s what typically happens:

• Gathering Medical Records: The first step is to collect all relevant medical records, including hospital charts, test results, physician notes, and prescriptions. This provides a complete picture of the care you received.
• Review by Experts: Experienced attorneys work alongside medical experts—often specialists in the same field as the provider in question—to analyze your records. These experts look for signs of substandard care, errors in treatment, or missed diagnoses.
• Identifying Breaches in Care: The investigation focuses on whether the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from accepted medical standards. For example, did they fail to recognize a critical symptom, use improper techniques, or neglect proper safety protocols?
• Establishing Causation: It must be demonstrated that the provider’s mistakes—not an underlying illness or unavoidable complication—directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
• Case Evaluation: Based on this thorough review, your legal team determines whether you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. They may consult with additional medical professionals to strengthen your case.

Throughout this process, attention to detail is vital. Each step ensures any claim brought forward is built on a solid foundation of facts and expert opinions, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Can I Pursue a Medical Malpractice Case if the Error Happened Years Ago?

You may still have options—even if the medical error occurred years in the past. Pennsylvania law allows for what’s known as the “discovery rule.” This means that if you didn’t immediately know a mistake happened, the clock on the statute of limitations may start when you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by negligence, rather than when the error itself occurred. However, these cases can become more complicated over time. Medical records might be harder to obtain, and memories may fade. That’s why it’s essential to act promptly once you realize something may have gone wrong. Our experienced team can help determine whether you still have a valid claim and guide you through the process, no matter how much time has passed since the original treatment. If you believe you or your loved one suffered harm due to a medical mistake—even if it dates back several years—don’t hesitate to reach out for an evaluation.

Our Strategic Approach to Medical Malpractice Litigation

When it comes to medical malpractice cases, our firm is fully prepared to champion your rights with a comprehensive and strategic approach.

1. Personalized Legal Strategy Each case is unique, and we understand the importance of tailoring our strategy to your specific situation. By focusing on the distinct facts and circumstances of your case, we develop a legal plan that brings these elements to the forefront.
2. Expertise and Experience Our team includes nationally recognized trial attorneys, skilled in navigating cases from local courts to the highest judicial levels. We leverage our deep understanding of legal intricacies and precedents to fortify your case.
3. Outcome-Driven Advocacy Whether we’re negotiating settlements, engaging in mediation, or battling in court, our primary aim is to secure justice and optimal outcomes. We are relentless in our pursuit of victories that reflect the worth of your claim.
4. Results That Speak With a proven track record, we’ve successfully secured substantial compensation for our clients. Our strategic approach has resulted in winning hundreds of millions through various legal avenues.

By combining these elements, our firm is committed to delivering a strong, client-focused representation that seeks not just justice, but the best possible result for you and your family.

Achievements in Medical Malpractice Cases

When it comes to tackling medical malpractice, our firm has an impressive track record of success. We employ a meticulous and unwavering legal strategy designed to defend and uphold the rights of our clients and their families.

Proven Financial Wins

We’ve successfully secured hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for those affected by medical negligence. Our aggressive approach often involves going head-to-head with the nation’s largest insurance companies, which typically represent doctors and hospitals in these cases.

Recognized Excellence

Our dedication and results have not gone unnoticed. Our legal team has earned the prestigious honor of being listed among the top law firms in America, achieving a Tier 1 status—the highest possible rating.

Acclaimed Legal Team

Notably, a number of our attorneys are recognized as distinguished practitioners on a national and state level. Each has been named multiple times among the top legal professionals in forums such as Best Lawyers in America and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.

Leading in the Field

Several of our key attorneys have been celebrated among the Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania, a remarkable feat given the competitive landscape of over 48,000 lawyers in the state. Their expertise particularly shines in insurance law, a critical aspect of medical malpractice litigation, with accolades like Best Insurance Lawyer and Best Personal Injury Lawyer within our regions underscoring their prowess. Through these numerous achievements, our firm has cemented its reputation as a leader in medical malpractice cases, ensuring justice and substantial compensation for our clients.

Tell Us About Your Case – Call Now

Medical negligence cases can be very difficult to prove, which is why it is essential to entrust your case to an experienced attorney who can thoroughly investigate your case from all angles. If you have been injured, or if your child has sustained a serious birth injury due to a preventable medical error, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Metzger Wickersham is standing by to offer you a free case review to help you understand your rights and options. Call (888) 707-7704 to get started.

Proving Negligence in a Medical Malpractice Case

In order to successfully pursue a medical malpractice case, the injured party must prove that their health provider treated them with substandard care (treatment that’s considered to be below the normal standard of care in the medical profession). The injured person must also prove that their injuries were in fact caused by the substandard medical care. Most of the time, expert physician witnesses must be hired to build a strong case.

A Medical Negligence Lawyer at Metzger Wickersham Can Evaluate Your Case

It is important to realize that a medical procedure or treatment can be unsuccessful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that malpractice has occurred. Because medical malpractice cases are so complex, it’s best to contact a skilled injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and determine if a lawsuit is warranted. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a health care provider, get in touch with our law firm today. Victims of birth injuries, surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis and other medical injuries need an experienced attorney in their corner. We’re available 24/7 to handle your legal emergencies. Call (888) 707-7704 today! We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning if you don’t get paid, you don’t owe us a single legal fee.