Bethel Park Medical Malpractice Lawyers

When you seek medical care, you trust healthcare providers to deliver proper treatment. However, negligence or mistakes can lead to devastating consequences. At Matzus Law, LLC, we are committed to helping victims of medical malpractice in Bethel Park, PA. Our experienced team of Bethel Park medical malpractice lawyers holds negligent parties accountable and ensures our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Compassionate Legal Representation

Medical malpractice cases are complex and emotionally draining. We provide compassionate, personalized representation, handling everything from evidence collection to litigation. Whether your case involves surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or nursing home neglect, we guide you through every step of the legal process with professionalism and care.

Injured and Have Questions?

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing harm to a patient. This standard refers to the actions a reasonably competent professional in the same field would take under similar circumstances.

Core Elements of a Claim

To build a successful case, the following elements must be proven:

  1. Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed you a professional obligation.
  2. Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet accepted medical standards.
  3. Causation: The breach directly caused harm or injury.
  4. Damages: The harm resulted in measurable losses, such as medical expenses or emotional suffering.

Establishing these elements requires thorough investigation, detailed evidence, and expert testimony.

 

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments or a lack of appropriate care, while delayed diagnosis often allows a condition to worsen. These cases frequently involve critical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and infections.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are preventable mistakes that occur during procedures. These include operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing avoidable damage to organs or tissues.

Medication Errors

Medication errors can involve prescribing the wrong drug, administering an incorrect dosage, or failing to account for drug interactions. These mistakes can lead to severe reactions or untreated conditions.

Birth Injuries

Negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can result in life-altering injuries to both the baby and the mother. Common examples include cerebral palsy, nerve damage, brain injuries, and maternal hemorrhage.

Anesthesia Errors

Mistakes made during anesthesia administration can result in severe complications, such as brain damage due to lack of oxygen, adverse reactions, or even death.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Hospitals have a duty to maintain sterile environments. When they fail, patients may contract infections such as MRSA, sepsis, or pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse

Inadequate care in nursing homes can result in malnutrition, dehydration, untreated medical issues, or abuse. These cases often affect elderly residents who are particularly vulnerable.

Emergency Room Errors

Mistakes in emergency rooms, such as misdiagnosing critical conditions, failing to triage properly, or administering incorrect treatments, can lead to significant harm or death.

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Healthcare providers are required to inform patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a treatment or procedure. Performing a procedure without consent can constitute malpractice.

Radiology and Diagnostic Errors

Radiologists and technicians may misinterpret imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses.

Defective Medical Devices

If a medical device, such as a pacemaker or hip replacement, malfunctions or causes injury, the manufacturer or provider who recommended it may be held liable.

Failure to Treat

Failing to provide timely and appropriate treatment, even after a correct diagnosis, is another form of malpractice. This can include discharging a patient too soon or not following up on test results.

 

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
    Your health should always be your first priority. If you suspect negligence, seek care from another provider to address your condition and obtain a second opinion. This step can also help document the harm caused by the original provider.
  2. Gather Evidence
    Begin collecting relevant documentation, such as medical records, prescriptions, test results, and any bills or receipts. Keep a timeline of events, including when you first noticed issues and how your condition progressed.
  3. Avoid Communication With the At-Fault Party
    Do not discuss your case with the negligent provider or their insurance company. Anything you say could be used against you. Let our Bethel Park medical malpractice lawyers handle all communications to protect your claim.
  4. Contact Matzus Law, LLC
    Consulting with our skilled Bethel Park medical malpractice lawyers is essential. At Matzus Law, LLC, we evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of the process.

 

Compensation for Medical Malpractice Victims

Economic Damages
Victims of medical malpractice often face significant financial burdens. Compensation may cover:

  • Past and future medical expenses for surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • Lost income due to time off work.
  • Reduced earning capacity if the malpractice results in long-term disability.

Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological toll of malpractice. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

At Matzus Law, LLC, we fight to secure maximum compensation for all our clients’ losses, ensuring their financial and emotional recovery.

Liability in Medical Malpractice Cases

Who Can Be Held Liable?
Medical malpractice cases often involve multiple parties. Healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and specialists, are commonly held responsible for errors in diagnosis, treatment, or surgery.

Hospitals and clinics can also be liable for negligence, including hiring underqualified staff, failing to enforce safety protocols, or providing unsafe conditions. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies may be held accountable for dispensing incorrect drugs or manufacturing defective products.

Thorough Investigations
At Matzus Law, LLC, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties. By holding everyone involved accountable, we build strong cases that maximize the compensation you receive.

 

How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Bethel Park, PA

Step 1: Consult an Experienced Attorney
The first step in filing a claim is to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. At Matzus Law, LLC, we evaluate your case during a free consultation to determine whether it meets the criteria for malpractice.

Step 2: Gather Expert Testimony
Pennsylvania law often requires expert testimony to establish that negligence occurred. We work with trusted medical experts to demonstrate how the standard of care was breached and how it caused harm.

Step 3: File Your Claim
Your claim must be filed within Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations. This ensures your case can proceed legally without being dismissed for delay.

Step 4: Negotiate or Go to Trial
Most medical malpractice cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice.

Injured and Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most medical malpractice cases is two years from the date of the injury or when the injury is discovered. It’s essential to act quickly, as filing after this period may result in your case being dismissed.

How do I know if I have a valid medical malpractice case?
To have a valid case, you must show that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care and that this breach directly caused harm or injury. Consulting an experienced attorney at Matzus Law, LLC can help determine if your case meets these criteria.

Can I sue a hospital for medical negligence?
Yes, hospitals can be held liable for their own negligence, such as inadequate staffing, unsanitary conditions, or employing unqualified medical personnel. They may also share responsibility for the actions of their employees.

What compensation can I recover in a medical malpractice lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. The exact amount depends on the specifics of your case.

How long does it take to resolve a medical malpractice claim?
The timeline for resolving a claim varies depending on its complexity. Some cases settle within months, while others may take years if they go to trial. At Matzus Law, LLC, we work efficiently to secure the best possible outcome as quickly as possible.

Other areas where we handle Medical Malpractice:

Contact Matzus Law, LLC Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, the experienced Bethel Park medical malpractice lawyers at Matzus Law, LLC are here to help. We are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. With our help, you can take the first step toward accountability and recovery.