Have you been injured because a healthcare provider failed to follow the proper standard of care in Columbia County, PA? If so, contact the Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC at (570) 714-4878 for a free consultation. Our Columbia County medical malpractice lawyers can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Since we opened our doors, we have been dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have a reputation you can trust. Our legal team has recovered more than $150 million in compensation for our clients, and we are ready to help you, too.
How Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Can Help With My Medical Malpractice Claim in Columbia County, PA
When you get medical treatment, you expect that your health will improve as a result. Unfortunately, victims of medical malpractice in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, often suffer devastating injuries or a worsening of their condition.
The Columbia County personal injury lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC can help you pursue accountability against the liable parties by:
- Investigating the details of the incident
- Gathering evidence to help prove your case
- Consulting with medical experts who can help bolster your claim
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Identifying all potential defendants
- Accurately assessing the value of your claim
- Negotiating a settlement
- Taking your case to court if necessary
If you have been injured because a doctor deviated from the accepted standard of care, contact us today for help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Columbia County personal injury lawyers who is ready to get started on your claim.
An Overview of Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
Just because a patient dies or does not get better doesn’t mean that malpractice has occurred. The truth is that some conditions simply cannot be cured, and some patients will not recover even with good treatment. However, when a doctor or medical provider is negligent with their care, a medical malpractice claim may be necessary.
An injured victim in Pennsylvania must be able to show that their healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. Some common examples of behavior that may be classified as malpractice include:
- Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside the patient
- Anesthesia errors
- Failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis
- Failure to provide the necessary tests for treatment
- Birth injuries
- Prescribing the wrong medication
- Failure to obtain proper consent before treatment
- Emergency room errors
Within 60 days of filing a claim, you must also file a certificate of merit for the claim.
The Elements of a Negligence Claim
Since these cases are typically based on negligence, the victim must prove these elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
These elements must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that you must have enough evidence on your side to show that your version of the facts is more likely true than not.
What Types of Damages Are Victims of Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania Entitled to Recover?
Victims who are hurt because of careless medical providers are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
In Pennsylvania, there is no cap on compensatory damages, so victims can recover full compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits
- Future reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The team at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC can help you put an accurate value on your claim so that you don’t leave money on the table.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, medical malpractice victims have two years to file a lawsuit. The clock starts to run on the date of the injury or when you should have reasonably discovered your injury.
Pennsylvania law also includes a statute of repose, which generally states that a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within seven years of the date the negligent act or omission occurred, regardless of when the injury was discovered. There are limited exceptions to this seven-year period, particularly in cases involving foreign objects left in a patient’s body or cases involving minors.
Missing the applicable deadline can completely bar you from recovering any compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Columbia County Medical Malpractice Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt because of medical malpractice in Columbia County, PA, Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC is here for you. We will put our extensive personal injury experience to work for you and work diligently to maximize your recovery. Reach out to us now to arrange your free consultation with a Columbia County medical malpractice attorney.