Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Our Family-Owned, Family Run Firm Has Been Fighting for Injury Victims for Over 40 Years

As the third-leading cause of death in the United States, medical errors should receive much more attention than they do. Systemic weaknesses in the healthcare system and individual negligence can cause serious injuries or even wrongful death among patients. Even highly trained medical professionals can be careless, or worse, they may fail to uphold the “standard of care” that is expected of those in their position.

If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury because of a doctor’s mis-action (or inaction), a lawsuit could help you understand more about how the mistake happened and hold the doctor accountable. Whether you are suffering from a birth injury or a delayed diagnosis, you can hold medical practitioners and their employers accountable for life-altering injuries that were caused by their negligence.

Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. have over 150 years of combined experience and partner with medical consultants who can determine what error a physician made, how it caused a negative outcome for the patient, and what should have been done instead.

Call Robert Peirce & Associates at (844) 383-0565 to discuss your case. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you. 

Defining Medical Malpractice: Do I Have a Claim?

Scientists are constantly learning new and better ways to treat diseases and conditions that affect us, but our medical knowledge has many gaps. No procedure is guaranteed to work. Most have even been refined to the point where most patients will not suffer adverse affects. Of those who do, most complications are not caused by physician error. Just because a medical procedure has not given optimal results does not mean the patient is the victim of malpractice. This can be a stumbling point for some who are trying to determine if they have a medical malpractice claim.

Medical malpractice is the negligent action of a healthcare professional that results in injury to the patient. These can be actual mistakes, poor communication with the patient, or just failure to provide a reasonable standard of care.

To evaluate medical malpractice claims, a jury will consider whether a physician failed to offer the baseline standard of care. In a medical malpractice case, the patient must prove:

• There was a violation of the standard of care. This is often accomplished by relying on expert testimony and comparing your physician’s actions to guidelines or professional expectations.
• There was a “factual cause.” In other words, you must be able to link the violation of the standard of care to the injuries suffered by the patient.
• There were clear damages. There must be concrete evidence the patient suffered losses as a result of malpractice. Losses could be anything from medical expenses to pain and suffering to a new life-altering condition.

Understanding what constitutes medical malpractice is the first step to figuring out how to get a malpractice attorney to take your case. 

The most common medical malpractice claims involve:

• Surgical errors
• Diagnostic errors such as delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis
• Errors in administration of medication
• Negligence in childbirth resulting in birth injuries
• Anesthesia errors
• Hospital negligence
• Emergency room errors

Medical errors fall into two basic categories:

• Errors of omission: This type refers to a doctor failing to provide the necessary care. For example, they may fail to provide a diagnosis in spite of clear symptoms in the patient, or completely misdiagnose the condition altogether.
• Errors of commission: This is whenincorrect care is provided. Anything from a wrong prescription to a wrong-site surgery falls in this category.

Healthcare professionals often require our absolute trust and confident. If you've encountered a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional that cannot be trusted, our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys want to help you hold them accountable.

Recovering Compensation for a Medical Error

Not only is medical malpractice ethically wrong, it can also cause patients to endure immense pain and overwhelming financial expenditure. However, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor or hospital responsible can help.

The compensation you’re eligible to collect can help you cover the additional medical costs caused by the error. On top of that, exposing a healthcare professional or hospital that committed the error can help you find closure after the incident, and hopefully protect other patients from the same mistakes.

Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers will fight to recover compensation for the following types of damages:

• Medical treatment
• Lost time at work/lost wages
• Loss of quality/enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

FAQs About Medical Malpractice Claims in Pittsburgh

Is there a time limit to file a medical malpractice claim in Pittsburgh?

Yes, Pennsylvania law enforces a two-year statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. This period generally starts from the date the injury occurred or when it was reasonably discovered. However, there are exceptions for minors and cases involving fraudulent concealment by a healthcare provider, which may extend the filing deadline.

Will my medical malpractice case go to trial?

Not all medical malpractice claims go to trial; many are resolved through settlements negotiated between the parties involved. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court, where a judge or jury will determine liability and damages. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can guide you through both settlement negotiations and trial proceedings.

What should I do if I suspect medical malpractice?

If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, start by obtaining copies of your medical records. Then, seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional to assess the potential harm caused by the suspected malpractice. Finally, consult a qualified medical malpractice attorney in Pittsburgh to evaluate your case and determine your legal options.

Can I file a medical malpractice claim for a loved one who passed away?

Yes, if a loved one died due to medical negligence, their family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Pennsylvania law allows certain family members, such as a spouse, child, or personal representative of the estate, to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering resulting from the loss.

What if my injury from medical malpractice doesn’t show up right away?

Some medical malpractice injuries, such as complications from a misdiagnosis or a surgical error, may take months or even years to become apparent. Pennsylvania follows the "discovery rule," which means the statute of limitations begins when the patient reasonably discovers—or should have discovered—the injury and its connection to medical negligence.

Are all bad medical outcomes considered malpractice?

No, not all negative medical results are due to malpractice. Medicine is not always predictable, and some treatments or procedures carry inherent risks even when performed correctly. Malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in preventable harm.

How long does a medical malpractice lawsuit take?

Medical malpractice cases can take months or even years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the defendant to settle, and court scheduling. Some cases settle in negotiations, while others go to trial, which can extend the process. Having an experienced attorney in Pittsburgh can help expedite proceedings and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How to Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney Near Me?

When searching for a medical malpractice lawyer near you, it is important to take the time to find an experienced attorney who has successfully handled many cases involving medical negligence. Experience in this area of law is essential, as these types of cases can be complex and require extensive experience with medical records and procedures.

A good place to begin your search is by asking friends, family members or colleagues if they have any recommendations. Additionally, you can use online resources such as the American Bar Association to find medical malpractice attorneys in your area. You should also read reviews from past clients to get a better idea of the type of service an attorney provides.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. we have a long history of successfully representing injury victims. Our family-owned, family-run firm has been protecting the rights and interests of individuals who have suffered from medical errors for over 40 years. We are here to help you get the results you deserve.

Call our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys today at (844) 383-0565 to schedule a free case review.