Bordas & Bordas has won several landmark judgments in medical malpractice cases, including a $5.1 million verdict in Turkoly v. Gentile, a $2 million verdict in Truskie v. Staunton Clinic, and a $6.54 million verdict in Boggs v. Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. Additionally, our firm won $9.1 million across two medical malpractice trials—Roberts v. Murthy and Karpacs v. Murthy, and a $2 Million Verdict in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Case Type, Medical Malpractice/Corporate Negligence, Stanley D. Truskie, Administrator of the Estate of Mark D. Truskie, deceased, v. Grace Huang, M.D. and Valley Medical Facilities, Inc. d/b/a Heritage Valley Sewickley d/b/a Staunton Clinic. Working with a well-established law firm could significantly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need.
Common Types of Medical Errors
Medical errors are either acts of omission or acts of commission. Errors resulting from a doctor’s omission include misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a condition thoroughly. These cases often result from a doctor failing to order the necessary tests that could detect the underlying conditions.
A doctor’s misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose a serious illness can have devastating consequences. You may lose valuable time that could have been used to treat the condition. In the worst-case scenario, these conditions can lead to unnecessary and premature death.
Mistakes resulting from commission occur when a doctor provides improper care. Medication errors such as prescribing the wrong medication, administering the wrong dosage of a medication, or overlooking a drug allergy are common examples of negligent acts. No matter the type of medical error you experienced, a determined attorney could help you pursue a legal claim.
Proving Fault in a Medical Malpractice Case in Pittsburgh
Due to the nature of medicine, waivers, and limitations on liability, medical malpractice claims can be challenging to prove. Malpractice generally results from a medical practitioner’s negligent actions or inactions. There are three main conditions you must prove to show that a healthcare professional was negligent.
Deviation for the Standard of Care
You must show that the accused healthcare practitioner deviated from the established medical standard of care. This means that a medical practitioner failed to perform their duties with the skill and degree of care of an average practitioner under the circumstances.
Actual Injuries and Damages
The court also requires you to show evidence that you suffered actual injuries and damages. If the medical provider committed an error, but you did not suffer an injury, you do not have a valid case.
Common types of evidence used to prove injuries and losses include medical records, medical bills, and receipts for prescription medication. Witness testimony may also be used to prove non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Certificate of Merit
According to 231 Pennsylvania Code § 1042.3, you and your attorney must file a signed “Certificate of Merit” to proceed with a medical malpractice case. A “Certificate of Merit” is a document signed by a licensed professional stating that the medical practitioner’s conduct deviated from the acceptable professional standards and caused your injuries. An experienced lawyer in Pittsburgh can evaluate the facts of your case and determine if you have a medical malpractice claim.
Recovering Compensation in a Case
Injuries resulting from medical malpractice can be devastating. You will likely require additional medical treatment to address your injuries. In addition to the medical expenses, you may face a significant emotional toll.
A diligent lawyer could help you recover compensation for a wide range of medical malpractice damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of life, in wrongful death cases
There is no cap on the medical malpractice damages that an injured patient can receive in Pittsburgh. However, you must file your claim within two years of the incident to obtain compensation. A meticulous lawyer could keep track of critical deadlines on your behalf throughout the medical malpractice case.
Contact a Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Attorney Right Away
Suffering an injury at the hands of a trusted medical professional can be overwhelming. You should not have to navigate a severe injury and a medical malpractice claim alone. Our team of Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers could review your case and help you fight for justice.