Scranton Medical
Malpractice Attorneys
Within the last 100 years, astounding scientific and technological advances have taken place in the medical community. Medical professionals have the ability to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses that previously would have ended in pain, suffering, and, more often than not, death. As a result, people are leading longer and healthier lives.
Unfortunately, these advances have not been able to eliminate poor judgment and human error. In fact, it is estimated that anywhere from 44,000 to 98,000 people die each year as a result of medical mistakes. Another 1.3 million individuals suffer injuries from medical errors.
Medical malpractice is the general term used to describe these instances of poor judgment and human error. It encompasses any action (or lack of action) by a medical professional that deviates from accepted medical practices and results in injury to the patient. Put another way, medical malpractice is an act of negligence on the part of a medical professional. As such, it is intertwined with a variety of complicated legal issues.
Because the laws surrounding medical malpractice are so complex, it is critical for individuals who have been victims of medical negligence to seek the advice of medical malpractice attorneys with full knowledge and extensive experience in the area. In Pennsylvania, the Scranton medical malpractice lawyers of Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., have the expertise to help you understand your rights and determine if you may be entitled to compensation.
As mentioned above, there are two fundamental elements in establishing medical malpractice. The first is a failure on the part of the medical professional to provide treatment or care that meets what is known as a standard of reasonable care. Medical professionals can fail to provide reasonable care in a number of ways, including:
- Medical Misdiagnosis - failing to diagnose or treat an injury or illness, providing an incorrect diagnosis, or providing treatment that is inappropriate for the diagnosis.
- Medication Error - prescribing or administering incorrect medication.
- Surgical Errors - including surgery on the wrong site.
- Emergency Room (ER) Negligence - errors or excessive wait times in the emergency room.
- Birth Injuries - failing to safely deliver a baby.
- Failing to factor in pre-existing conditions when diagnosing or treating an injury or illness.
- Failing to provide a generally safe environment for patients while in the hospital (for example, walkways in disrepair that contribute to a fall).
Although most cases of medical malpractice involve physician error, medical mistakes can be made by any member of the medical profession including nurses, technicians and pharmacists. Entire companies may also be at fault, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturers of medical equipment. Again, choosing a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice is essential to ensure that your rights are protected and all legal channels are fully explored.
Occasionally, a patient is subjected to a medical error without ill effect. More often, the result is detrimental, if not catastrophic. Medical mistakes can lead to a worsening of a medical condition, a completely separate adverse reaction, permanent disfigurement or paralysis, or death. Medical mistakes during birth may result in injury or death to both the mother and the child. Beyond the physical damages, victims of medical malpractice may also suffer from emotional pain and suffering, lost wages, and alienation from friends and family. When a patient dies from a medical error, the surviving loved ones suffer emotionally and, often, financially.
The ramifications of medical malpractice can be great. If you have been the victim of a medical mistake, the law says you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The Scranton medical malpractice lawyers at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., are experienced and successful medical malpractice litigators. We have over 40 years of experience, local connections, and the passion to develop a winning legal strategy. We fight to protect the rights of patients and their families.
The Scranton medical negligence attorneys of Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C. have offices conveniently located in Scranton, Stroudsburg, Carbondale, Plains, Hazleton, Harrisburg and Hamlin, PA. Our initial consultation is free of charge and our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We would like to meet with you to discuss your case. Please call us at (800) 318-LAW1 or contact us online.
